The steady convergence of print and broadcast media online is changing the information landscape in many countries, leaving policymakers to apply old standards and regulations to new technologies.
To help bridge the gap, the UIS has released new media statistics on the regulatory environment for radio, television and newspapers, based on UNESCO’s Media Development Indicators.
Drawn from a survey conducted in 2011 in 28 countries,* countries reported on the level of access to radio, television and newspapers; the typology of media organizations; and technical transmission and distribution platforms, among other indicators.
In addition, country profiles provide a vivid snapshot of the media landscape at the national level, such as the move to digital technology for broadcast television. Data show that the highest numbers of and proportion of digital television channels (satellite or combined platforms) are found in high-income European countries, but Cameroon, Jordan and South Africa also joining their ranks with digital channels making up close to 100 %.
Newspaper titles, another sector under pressure from digital technology also shows wide variations. In Denmark, all print newspapers are available online, but in Mongolia, only 3% of print titles are online.