In order for the channel to gain a stronger signal and increased coverage of the region, additional transmitters will be needed, some of which will be of a considerably higher power.

[4] The Collective engaged in a process of ongoing discussions aimed at creating a community television channel for Cape Town, based on principles of social development, democracy, justice and human rights.

[5] The organisation first approached the national public service broadcaster, the SABC, for a programming 'window' which would be viewed only in the Western Cape region.

Consequently, the CTCTC decided to also pursue a one-year license because this would provide a firmer foundation for a permanent community television channel.

The channel does not have a budget for content acquisition, so all programmes are acquired free of charge from individuals, production houses, organisations and government agencies.

The channel is housed at AFDA, the South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance, located in the suburb of Observatory in Cape Town.

Programmes are mainly of a documentary nature, covering topics such as NGOs, health, spirituality, religion, human rights, democracy, environment and world affairs.

Programme partners include the Community Media Trust (CMT) which produces the HIV/AIDS awareness show Siyayinqoba: Beat It!

CTV includes the Keiser Report, Breaking the Set with Abby Martin, Documentaries from RT and Al Jazeera (English) international news in its programming line-up.

Al Jazeera is located in Doha and provides an alternative viewpoint on global events, with in-depth news and current affairs coverage.

Consequently, the channel has embarked on a programme of action aimed at either reducing the fees charged by Sentech to community broadcasters, or incepting a government subsidy for these costs.

This programme of action resulted in a public march on Parliament in November 2009, where the station presented a list of demands to the South African government.

That CTV is not switched off when ICASA licenses a new cell phone TV operator next year but that a frequency is allocated to carry the channel.

The process of migration from analogue to digital television broadcasting that is happening in South Africa poses a significant threat to the channel.

[8] Consequently, the channel is challenging ICASA to provide an alternative frequency; the alternative would be for the channel to migrate to a digital broadcasting multiplex, but since very few people in South Africa will have the necessary equipment to receive such a signal prior to the switch-off of all analogue television broadcasting (planned for 2012), it means that the station would lose its audience and hence would be unsustainable.