With a network that is 99% digital and includes the latest in fixed-line, wireless and satellite communications, South Africa has the most developed telecommunications network in Africa.
One of the major impacts of the BDM Policy is its contribution to industrial growth in South Africa. The implementation of the Set Top Boxes (STBs) Manufacturing Sector Development Strategy was finalised in 2010.
The focus will be on providing subsidies to poor TV-owning households to enable them to buy STBs.
Community radio stations have a huge potential for supporting, among other things, cultural and educational information exchanges. These radio stations use all indigenous languages, ensuring that people receive information in languages they understand.
The SABC's television network comprises three television channels - all free-to-air. SABC Television reaches a weekly audience of 26,6 million adults aged 15 years and more. South African television is broadcast in all 11 official languages and in Sign Language.
M-Net became South Africa's first private subscription television service when it launched in 1986. Today, it broadcasts its array of general entertainment and niche channels to subscribers in more than 50 countries across the African continent and adjacent Indian Ocean islands.
1,5 million customers.
The pay television provider Top TV was launched in 2010.
Since 1994, the major press groups have embarked on programmes to boost Black Economic Empowerment in media ownership.
In August 2010, the Audit Bureau Circulations (ABC) of South Africa reported that total newspaper performance declined by 163 000 copies between March and June 2010 when compared to the previous corresponding period.
Weekly newspapers declined by 6,6%, although the decline seemed to be slowing.
Community newspapers reflected a solid and stable performance, with growth mainly the result of new entrants. Free newspapers remained static.
Between March and June 2010, despite the uncertain economic climate, the number of new entrants was significant. Total ABC membership grew from 759 titles at 31 March 2010 to 794 at 30 June 2010, with 40 titles joining and five closures or resignations.
The main foreign news agencies operating in South Africa are Reuters, Agence France-Presse, Associated Press, Deutsche Presse-Agentur and United Press International.