Framework blong Kalsa1919 aims at reversing the loss of culture, revitalizing the
national culture, making the culture sector more visible, and fostering development
of its socio- economic potential.
32.
ICT can assist in supporting strategies for the revitalization and development of
national culture – and a vital national culture can generate locally relevant content
that will, in turn, be in demand by consumers and attract ICT investment.
33. The Tebbutt survey of Solomon Islands broadcasting audiences reported in 2010
that:20
[P]eople love to see themselves and enjoy looking at
news from their own country. They are enthusiastic
about the concept and accept the product is in its early
days of development. They would like longer news,
greater coverage, especially including the provinces.
They definitely wish to see more local content on TV,
not just news.
34. Solomon Islands broadcasting audiences also desire to see programming about
matters of daily relevance, including health, farming, food production, and youth
issues.2121 A similar pattern of user desires can be expected in relation to digital
content online.
35. The Nasinol Policy Framework blong Kalsa enumerates a set of strategies to support
revitalization of national culture. ICT and national culture can be mutually
reinforcing: growth in one can support growth in the other. It is not access to ICT by
itself that brings benefits; it is access to content and services by means of ICT that is
beneficial.
Access to devices
36. The greater availability and use of ICT depends not only on the availability and
affordability of network infrastructure and services but also on the availability and
affordability of user devices, to enable end-users to access those services. For
example, unless a customer has access to a mobile phone handset, she cannot make
19
Available online: <www.spc.int>.
Tebbutt Research “Audience Market Research in Solomon Islands: Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Report” (2010) p 49.
20
21
Ibid, p 91.
Page | 18
Solomon Islands National ICT Policy