Safe and Sound : a framework for the preservation of audio-visual records to support accessibility for the radio broadcasting stations in South Africa

Most radio broadcasting organisations struggle to preserve audio-visual records owing to a lack of skills, poor infrastructure and technological obsolescence. This qualitative study proposes a framework for preserving audio-visual records at South African broadcasting radio stations to ensure that records are safe and sound at all times if they are still needed. The study relied on the literature to investigate a framework for preserving audio-visual records to support accessibility for radio broadcasting stations in South Africa. The study discovered, based on the literature and challenges experienced, that the largest section of the radio broadcasting institution has no framework for preserving audio-visual records. This may be owing to a lack of preservation strategies and suitably qualified archivists to provide vision for implementing strategies. These strategies are implemented to preserve audio-visual records, which may result in records being undocumented and irretrievable. The study provides a framework for the systematic preservation of audio-visual records for radio broadcasting institutions by applying different preservation strategies. It is trusted that this framework will provide a benchmark to remedy the situation.