Professor Armstrong Idachaba, director-general, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has said that the commission is pressing forward with the controversial amendment to the country’s broadcasting code, in order to kill the idea of exclusivity.
Idachaba said that “the Nigerian communications policy is one that focuses on promoting local sports teams in a way that Nigerians and Nigerian broadcasters can benefit and maximize the potentials of rights that are acquired in the Nigerian space”
He stated this in an interview with Balancing Act, a major source for information on Technology, Media and telecoms industries in Africa.
Recall that 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 many others, have spoken against the code, which they say further stifles the growth of the industry.
But the NBC said that the amended code is to break the monopoly of “greedy capitalists” who “call themselves dominant players” and allow local payTV platforms to thrive.
Speaking with Balancing Act, Idachaba said “Our message basically is that broadcasters wishing to engage rights owners must have at the back of their mind that once they get these rights they must be willing to make it available to other people that are interested in the national interest.
“The best example to give would be the English Premiership League (EPL). DStv spent tons of money to get the EPL rights. Our expectation is that DStv will say well EPL we have a deal with you but please be notified that a country where we operate I’m not allowed to keep these rights alone. Once I acquire it and Nigerian companies are interested I’m obliged by the Nigerian law to make it available to them at mutually agreed terms. There’s no imposition of exchanging rights.”
According to him, there are certain sporting rights that are very interesting to Nigerians, across social strata, like watching the English Premiership League.