Digital Broadcasting and the Democratization of Media Production in Emerging Creative Economies

Exploring How Technology, Culture, and Policy Shape Inclusive Creative Growth in the Global South

Abstract

Digital broadcasting technologies are transforming media production in emerging creative economies by lowering longstanding barriers to communication and cultural expression. This study examines how new broadcasting platforms—including internet radio, streaming services, podcasting, and online video—enable diverse individuals and communities to create, distribute, and monetize content. Drawing on case studies from Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, it analyzes how independent creators, grassroots media organizations, and small studios leverage digital tools to bypass legacy gatekeepers and foster localized storytelling, cultural innovation, and economic inclusion. It also discusses ongoing infrastructural, policy, and training challenges in these regions, highlighting strategies for building more equitable media ecosystems. Ultimately, the study argues that digital broadcasting serves not only as a technological enabler and a cultural catalyst in democratizing media production, but also as an economic driver of creative economy growth in the Global South.