National Information Policy Styles (Policy Implementation)

The styles of national information policies is the fifth element of public policy. Policy styles include the processes through which the policies are developed. These processes vary substantially from country to country mainly because national information policies could be implemented to address a diverse field, as the information component within a country covers diverse areas (Singh and Mishra, 1987: 184-200). The modern information industry can be explained in many ways. One of the simplest is to see the industry as comprising four main categories. These categories are broadly defined as shown in Table 2.2 (based on Schwartz, 1991: 242). This table is used in this study in chapter five to structure the discussion of the information industry in South Africa. The definition of the information industry, as defined

within the parameters of the table, also illustrates the extent to which information exists as a commodity in society.

Table 2.2 The Four Categories of the Information Industry

(i) Information sources accessed through the mass media (radio / television / telephones):

Broadcast and communication channels: including radio & television networks, telephone & satellite networks, Post Office & other deliveries.

(ii) Information content (packaged information, mainly in the print & electronic media):

Content services and content packages: including libraries, information brokers,

electronic database providers, news services, newspapers, magazines and other print media.

(iii) Communication technology (“hardware”, such as television sets, radios, etc.):

Communication technology: including radios, television sets, telephones, transmission equipment and mail equipment.

(iv) Information technology (based on physical infrastructure, such as computer based and electronic media):

Facilitation services and information technology: including banks, electronic funds transfer, computers, optical media, timeshare, market & business research.

(Source: Schwartz 1991: 242).

The diversity of the elements of the information industry requires different regulations, which are formulated through different processes. The different categories (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) will need to be addressed in separate policy-making processes, with an awareness of the other categories, as the different categories may impact on each other. This explains one of the reasons why the policies that are formulated may require changes or adjustments after implementation.

The information industries in the more developed countries may be more advanced than those in the developing countries. It can be accepted that the more economically advanced countries have highly technologically advanced information industries and in those countries the

processes through which national information policies are formulated are likely to be closely linked to the above four categories.

2.9 CONCLUSIONS

This chapter explained that a national policy is used by government to address issues that cannot be addressed by individuals on their own, and also what a national information policy is. The development process or policy cycle of a government policy within the political structure of a government was also explained.

The categories within the information industry were explained and their role in providing access to information. Various external influences relevant to the regulation of information were discussed briefly and the information industry was shown to be extensive in nature. Four categories of the information industry were identified as relevant to (a) the mass media; (b) information content services; (c) communication technology; and, (d), the information infrastructure of the information technology.

Various definitions and approaches to national information policy were given and a number of issues explained as typically addressed by a national information policy and related global and international trends which influence countries to develop such policies. Many countries have developed national information policies and this global trend is also indicated in South Africa with the government’s expressed interest in the development of its national

information policy.

The political structure in South Africa is currently dominated by the ruling party, the ANC, on national and provincial levels and lacks an effective opposition, a basic requirement for public debate and the development of government policies. This implies that debate around the development of a national information policy will not have the benefit of more viewpoints and alternative suggestions within the political debate of the ANC and any opposition parties within Parliament.

A national information policy is generally developed as an elite-type policy by a small group with political and economic power and, therefore, this policy needs to be formulated by the ANC-led government. This implies that the relevant Minister or Ministers will have to be convinced of the relevance of and nature of a national information policy for South Africa.

This has further implications, such as (a) the political debate regarding the development of a

national information policy will have to be motivated outside the formal political structures within civil society and then motivated to the relevant Government Department and Ministry;

and, (b) if a policy involves funding, it must be introduced in the National Assembly, as such a policy requires political and economic power.

National information policies are used to address a pervasive field, which can include various information-related issues or matters of public interest, such as social and economic

development, issues concerning access to information, the development of an information society, and national information. Background information is, therefore, necessary regarding information and its use and availability in South Africa. Background information is presented on information and its availability in South Africa in chapter five.

National information policies have been developed in a number of countries. An historical overview of the development of national information policy is presented in the following chapter, based on available literature. The historical overview covers the international trends regarding national information policy development.