Riding the Waves with Streaming

AUTHOR: David Jarrett and Team Editor@ RDJ Publishing and RDJ Group ChiefExecutiveOfficer

Streaming is now the trendy way of “watching and listening” to content saving the user from having to handle storage mediums. Streaming requires internet connectivity and when looking at movies, high speed internet services are required. Popular examples of streaming services include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Twitch (for live streaming), and many others These platforms offer a wide range of content that users can access instantly, often through subscription-based or ad-supported models.

Content on-demand

Streaming refers to the process of delivering multimedia content, such as audio, video, or even live events, over the internet in real-time Instead of downloading a file to a device and then watching or listening to it, streaming allows users to access the content instantly without needing to download the entire file beforehand. The content is transmitted continuously over a network from a server to a user's device, such as a computer, smartphone, tablet, or smart TV As the data arrives at the user's device, it is decoded and displayed or played back in real-time, allowing for seamless viewing or listening experiences

One of the media providers is offering media “everywhere anytime on your iOS device, Android, Apple TV or Smart TV with just internet connection” The offering also allows for downloading so that material can be accessed when away from the internet or a reliable connection One of the clear benefits of streaming is stated to be the ability to “watch” media on any device whereas previously a television was required.

One researcher describes this phenomenon as “second screen” usage allowing the use of non-traditional viewing via cellphones (smartphones), tablets and computers (PCs) once there is access to the internet for viewing or download Another benefit is derived from the fact that users are not constrained by time or place of viewing, thus converting viewing to a new paradigm and freedom.

Additional benefits will definitely accrue in the fields of health and education, providing for remote learning or remote referencing for health professionals for example This is a trend that Namibia can use to its benefit, especially in areas of scarce skills and in the area of information spread. This leads to virtual events and meetings being seen or “attended” even when the physical activity was concluded

An example of this given by others is when Microsoft held its Ignite conference in 2019 to provide attendees an opportunity to network with each other. After the event was finished, Microsoft was able to upload the live streamed content online, allowing even more people to attend. That content has since been repurposed and used as marketing material, enticing people to sign up to subsequent Ignite events

It is clear then that both state and private sectors can reach broader audiences and be impactful in their offerings. For example, a stream could help the public better understand national budgets or healthy actions such as with immunization programs Live steaming can also be used for events such as the opening of Parliament and the likes, creating a more holistic feeling of belonging and being part ofnationalaffairs

This brings into focus the television licensing regime and a focus question as to how licence fees will remain relevant and not punitive. In Namibia, the payment of TV licencing is a legal obligation brought about through the Namibian Broadcasting Act No. 9 of 1991. The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation administers this through their licencing department, ranging from NAD 60 – NAD 204 per television set.

The Namibian Broadcasting Act No. 9 of 1991 (the Act) defines “television set” to mean a device which is, alone or in combination with any other device, capable of receiving by means of radio or cables or wires as contemplated in section 4(1)(c) transmissions broadcast in a broadcasting serviceandreproducingthemintheformofimagesorother visiblesignals,withorwithoutaccompanyingsounds

Section 4(1)(c) of the Act, infers that a television is a device that receives its transmission from a broadcasting station Is a cell tower considered a broadcasting station, making even cell phones a television? As always, the conversation continues infocus@rdjpublishing.africa

Readings: https://www cloudflare com/en-gb/learning/video/what-isstreaming/ https://com miami edu/wpcontent/uploads/2021/05/mma 2020 secondplace pdf https://www.dstv.com/en-na/buy/dstv-streaming https://nbc.na/tvl/