Broadcasting
NBC Says no Going Back on New Broadcasting Code
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Armstrong Idachaba, director-general of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), says the commission is not backing down on the controversial amendment to the country’s broadcasting code.
Idachaba said the new broadcasting code is to break the monopoly of “greedy capitalists” who “call themselves dominant players” and allow local payTV platforms to thrive.
In March 2020, the NBC released the 6th edition of its broadcasting code, which mandates sub-licensing of premium content and kills the idea of exclusivity.
Broadcasters, columnists, and Multichoice, one of the dominant players in the Nigerian payTV industry, have spoken against the code, which they say further stifles the growth of the industry.
But Idachaba disagrees; according to him, “the amendments have been made, no going back because we believe it is good for our country, they are already operational”.
Speaking with Osasu Igbinedion on The Osasu Show, Idachaba said the NBC has licenced several local payTV platforms, but they do not survive due to the presence of the likes of DStv.
When asked about the negative effect the lack of exclusivity clause may have on DStv, Idachaba said: “Let me give you a poser as background: Why is it, have you ever thought, that our local tv, cable, paid services are nonexistent? There is no Nigerian that is active on the payTV platform, no Nigerian company.
“NBC licenced several, up to 30 Nigerian firms to offer paid television services in Nigeria and none of them succeeded. Why, because they cannot compete in the international content market.
“And what happens to the international content market, the people with the big purse, the global capitalist, those that call themselves dominant players, they go to acquire those rights and keep it to themselves in the guise of exclusivity and deny all other operators an opportunity for sublicensing.
“What does that do? What it does is to create a monopolistic economy for whoever is the buyer of that content and the person is able to maximize profit unhindered. That is why you find internet penetration in Nigeria is increasing by the day. That is why you find that all those big monopolies break even and make tonnes of money.
“What we are saying is that when you go to acquire these rights, because you are acquiring them for the Nigerian market, because your intent is to exploit the Nigerian audiences and viewers, we want you also to give back by sublicensing to local Nigerian players that may be interested.”
Idachaba said DStv must now sub-licence the English Premier League to other players in the industry, who may be interested.
“If you bring EPL for instance and say I am the owner of EPL, only me can show EPL and on my platform alone, so whoever wants to watch premier league would have to buy DStv, even if you have Startimes, you cannot watch,” he added.
“If you are on open television, the open terrestrial, where low-income earner, those on the lower social ladder, where they thrive, then they are denied which is class stratification in itself on account of content acquisition.
“We are saying create these windows. If you get the rights, fine, we welcome you, invest in Nigeria, but create channels for sublicensing”
Confronted with the fact that Multichoice, the owners of DStv, don not have the rights to sub-licence the English Premier League (EPL) Idachaba said “whoever is giving them the rights has to understand” that there is a new NBC code.
“If you are going to acquire your rights, you know that in the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, we have plainly said you can’t have exclusive right. So whoever, if giving you that right has to understand that he cannot give it to only you in Nigeria.
“If any other Nigerian is interested in that right, they must also discuss at mutually agreed price. Because what has happened over time is that this exclusivity is used to shut other people who are willing to participate. You shut the window.
“How then do you develop an economy? We have thousands of young promising Nigerian entrepreneurs, you know that premium content derives advertising. If these channels are made available at lower window levels through sublicensing to local little operators, they too will be able to attract some level of advertising.
“But Capitalist are greedy, they are extremely self-centered, they don’t want to give it out. But we know it is important for our own economy and creative subsectors that this happens.”
The DG, who has worked at NBC for over 28 years called on Nigerians to “have an ideological, philosophical understanding of the motive of the policy, what does it intend to achieve”.
He said the policy is to “redynamise and redistribute wealth in a way that there would be more participation, more engagement and more opportunities”.
“What makes the capitalist think that by keeping content to themselves, they maximize all the profits? Chances are that by sublicensing, you make more. The more you share to people based on the agreed sum, you are more likely to make more money quickly. It doesn’t reduce your own large share but creates open windows.”
Broadcasting
KongaFM Basks in Rave Reviews from Nigerians
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KongaFM -103.7, Africa’s pioneering hit music and commerce radio station, is reshaping the broadcasting space with utter broadcasting professionalism and Nigerians are happy.
With its unique blend of music, advertisements and shopping, KongaFM is winning hearts.
Operating on terrestrial frequencies in Lagos on 103.7 and streaming online for listeners globally at www.kongafm.com, KongaFM has quickly become a favourite among audiences.
Promoters of the station are basking in the rave reviews.
Chris Uwaje, tech policy adviser, global speaker and former president of Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), said described the station as revolutionary.
“Awesome, very incredible and very futuristic entrenurship strategy. I predict very soon, KongaFm will be the numero-uno radio in Africa” he said
Louisa Olaniyi, one of Nigeria’s finest broadcasters simply said “Wow, brilliant”
Bargain hunters and shoppers are also thrilled by genuineness of deals on the station.
Nicholas Isiobi, a shopper said “I am happy with the quality and affordability of the products promoted. It is worth all my while”
Every day, the station kicked off with an exciting mix of hit music, motivational content, and commercial activities, setting itself apart as a trailblazer in the radio industry.
Grace Yusuf, one listener, mentioned how the station has positively impacted her daily routine.
“KongaFM is my go-to station every morning while commuting to work. The gospel music is great, while other content and inspiring discussions keep me motivated throughout the day,” she said.
Tunde Obaposh, currently pursuing his PhD in Robotics in Kansas, shared his experience streaming Konga FM online.
“I believe KongaFM is going to redefine the standard in the radio space. I love how they incorporate AI into their broadcasts, making the experience seamless and engaging,” he noted.
Perhaps the major standout of KongaFM and Konga.com is turning live radio broadcasts into an interactive shopping experience, allowing listeners to place orders seamlessly, even without expending much cash on data.
Nigerian shoppers now have more options with Konga.com, and most importantly, they can enjoy unbeatable prices on all items announced live on radio.
Broadcasting
Ayra Starr leads Spotify’s Nigeria Global Impact List 2025
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Nigerian music isn’t just a local force anymore, it’s a global takeover. Spotify’s 2025 Global Impact List shows just how far Nigerian music and artists have come, with Ayra Starr leading the way.
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Ayra Starr
This list celebrates the 30 Nigerian songs that have connected most powerfully with international audiences this year, highlighting the country’s ever-growing influence on the world stage.
Ayra Starr: Nigeria’s Global Hitmaker
Ayra Starr, the “Sabi Girl,” is a chart-topping force reshaping the global music scene. Her catchy hits consistently top Nigerian charts, and her influence resonates worldwide, turning her music into international anthems. This makes her a leading voice in the exciting evolution of global music, transforming the soundscape one hit at a time.
This influence is clearly evident in her chart dominance. As a Spotify RADAR and EQUAL alumna and Nigeria’s most-streamed female artist on the platform in 2024, Ayra Starr’s artistry and strategic approach to global music are undeniable. While only two of her own tracks, Last Heartbreak Song and Bad Vibes appear on the Spotify Global Impact List, her collaborative power is evident with the chart-topping success of Santa. This track, featuring her alongside producer Rvssian and Latin artist Rauw Alejandro, showcases Ayra’s ability to connect with diverse audiences and expand her reach through strategic partnerships across different markets. Her impressive showing on the list, with six entries including Commas, GOOD FEELiNGS and Hypé underscores her versatility and appeal.
Her album, The Year I Turned 21, also cemented her global reach, ranking among the top 10 most-streamed albums of the year. Santa’s undeniable popularity speaks volumes about her global appeal and influence.
The Power of Collaboration
The global reach of Nigerian music is significantly amplified by the power of collaboration. The Global Impact List underscores this crucial role, revealing that 22 of the 30 listed songs are collaborations. This demonstrates that such partnerships are not merely a trend, but a necessity for Nigerian artists seeking international success. While three of these collaborations feature fellow Nigerian artists, 19 involve partnerships with artists from other countries, highlighting how cross-continental collaborations drive global recognition. Top hits like Santa, WE PRAY (TINI Version), and Another Vibe perfectly illustrate this collaborative power.
Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, notes, “Nigerian artists are breaking boundaries and the world is listening. Nigerian music has always been rich and diverse, and at Spotify, we’re proud to amplify these talents globally.”
Explore the vibrant cross-cultural sounds of Spotify’s Gone Abroad playlist that showcases exciting collaborations between international artists and the best of Nigerian and African talent.
Broadcasting
DSS Threatens to Sue AIT, Channels TV over Reports on ‘Invasion’ of Lagos Assembly
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Department of State Service (DSS), has threatened Africa Independent Television (AIT), and Channels Television two prominent broadcast stations with lawsuits over ‘false and malicious reports’ against the organisation.
According to the DSS, AIT, and Channels Television both aired false reports against it on the crisis that rocked the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday.
Recall that operatives of the DSS and the Nigeria Police, on Monday, took over the Lagos State House of Assembly.
However, a letter eventually emerged, disclosing that the House had requested the DSS to strengthen security around the Assembly complex.
The letter cited reports that Mudashiru Obasa, impeached Speaker, planned to return to the position.
In a statement on Tuesday, DSS accused the broadcast stations of reporting that its operatives “stormed or invaded” the Assembly.
DSS, through Chief Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, its lawyer, said the agency was invited to beef up security and did not invade the Assembly as reported.
The two separate letters to the broadcast stations, dated February 17, 2025, read: “First, it must be stated that our client, in carrying out its core statutory mandate of collection of intelligence for good governance and national safety and upholding and enforcing criminal laws of Nigeria, was invited to the Lagos State House of Assembly, vide a letter dated 14th February, 2025, written to it by the Acting Clerk of the said State House of Assembly. A copy of the letter is herewith attached.
“Our client was invited by the Acting Clerk to come and support the Security Operatives attached to the Lagos State House of Assembly, from Sunday, 16th of February, 2025, in order to forestall an imminent break down of law and order, following the information that the former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Obasa planned to resume office on the 18 of February, 2025, a plan which he (the Acting Clerk) believed poses a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.
“However, without any verification of the reason for the presence of our client’s officials at the Lagos State House of Assembly on the 17th of February, 2025, your organization maliciously and falsely broadcast, both on your news bulletin and print media, that our client had invaded/stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly with a view to preventing the members and speaker from entering the chamber for plenary.
“By this publication, our client which is a highly responsible and respected organization, was portrayed as an irresponsible and reckless organization, who in a Gestapo manner invaded/stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly, to support one of the feuding parties and to desecrate the hallowed chambers.
“Your publication and/or broadcast has greatly injured the character of our client and tarnished and lowered its esteemed image in the eyes of the public.
“Having regard to the fact that your broadcast was false and coupled with the fact that you did not ensure balancing in your report, as enjoined by the ethics of journalism, our client has instructed us to demand the following:
“An immediate retraction of your defamatory publication and/or broadcast on all your news platforms.
“The retraction shall be accompanied by an apology which must be published for at least five (5) times daily for three consecutive days on all your new channels and platforms, including all the social media handles to which your media house has its presence.
“Please note that, should you fail, ‘to comply with the above demands within a period of seven (7) days after the delivery of this letter to you, we shall, on behalf of our client, seek redress by pursuing both civil and criminal actions against your organization as your conduct also runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act of 2015, as amended in 2024, without further reference to you.”
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