31. 01. 2011

Guide for ANEM stations on the matter of forthcoming digitalization

In line with the Strategy and Action Plan for the Transition from Analogue to Digital Broadcasting of RTV Programs in the Republic of Serbia, adopted in July 2009, the digitalization process in Serbia implies for now the change in terrestrial television broadcasting. The digital TV switchover is scheduled for April 4, 2011. The digitalization, as defined in the Strategy, does not relate to radio, which will continue to broadcast analogue signal. The digitalization, as defined in the Strategy, neither relates to the cable distribution of TV program.

Although it provides new opportunities to TV stations, this process also brings numerous challenges and new ways of media functioning, which TV stations should timely be prepared for. However, the realization of preparatory activities is late, important information for TV stations in Serbia is almost completely lacking and because of that, TV broadcasters are disabled to timely plan their costs and duties.  

It is why ANEM, in cooperation with its Law office "Zivkovic &Samardzic", prepared for its stations the internal Guide on the process of digitalization, whose aim was to enable their better understanding of the process, benefits and risks for them as well as to facilitate their business planning. This Guide was submitted to the stations on January 31, 2011, and it is also available on internal network, ANEM Intranet.

ANEM will continue to monitor the digitalization process in Serbia and, in line with new developments in this field, it will update this Guide in order to help its members to prepare for digital switchover as much as possible.