National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is oiling its machine for the pilot stage of the transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting with the hope of galvanizing the industry and throwing up more independent producers that would unleash local contents, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek can report.
The digital switchover is the name given to the process by which analogue terrestrial television in Nigeria would be replaced with digital terrestrial television.
It is sometimes referred to as the “analogue switch off”.
NBC said that the move will harness the local contents, and make the locally developed contents compete at the international levels.
Alhaji Awwalu Salihu, head, Public Affairs of the Commission, told Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, that the NBC was particular about digitisation because it would improve the quality of broadcasting.
According to him, digitisation would also facilitate provision of additional entertainment services and diversity of voices, including home language services.
“One of the benefits of digitisation is that it will reduce the cost of operation for broadcast stations,’’ he added.
Salihu added that NBC’s choice of Plateau State to test-run the switchover was borne out of desire to ensure every aspect of the process is watertight.
He said, “In our last two sessions held in Abuja and Lagos, we saw the attitude and level of enthusiasm exhibited by various stakeholders in the industry which assures us that the nationwide switchover will be achieved.
“On the part of NBC, we have been working assiduously to ensure allay of programmes are made available to the people. The interesting thing is that digital switchover will create room for local content development by independent producers. NTA and other stations that have invested in this regards will offer Nigerians seamless television viewing experience.
“This is true, for instance, for every channel you have there will be additional up to eight. Thus, contents from Nigeria shall be showcased to the outside world and our people will be given options too. NBC will not shy away from assisting in the production of the contents, because we want the transition to succeed and subsequently progress. There are so many opportunities the transition will throw up”.
Speaking on the pilot switchover, Salihu said that NBC will, towards the month end, announce the country’s first switch off from analogue terrestrial television system onto digital.
However, the commission has chosen Jos, Plateau State, as the first city to begin the switch off.
He said that various schemes have been drafted to ensure the actualisation of the mandate.
The commission, according to him, was also working on the passage of enabling laws that would help the smooth digital transmission, as well as collaborations with other government agencies and relevant bodies to ensure success.