Something good is happening to broadcasting in Nigeria.
The industry is simply undergoing a radical transformation, thanks to the growth and acceptance of pay television in the country.
Latest entrant into the industry is DaarSat, a home-grown Nigerian Direct-to-Home pay television flaunting advantages and deep excitement never before seen in this part of the world.
Daarsat promoted by Dr Raymond Dokpesi, a deeply Afro-centric Nigerian comes with 40 channels that span Entertainment, Sports, Movies, Lifestyle, News, Fashion and Music.
A major feature of the new pay-TVs is the deliberate choice of the channels to align with the expectation of the Nigerian viewing public. It is an attempt at creating a voice for Nigerians.
The launch of Daarsat is clear sign that the impact of pay television is real.
Today, it is no longer strange to see pay television dishes on top roof tops even in very unusual places.
Before the entrance of other operators, Multichoice Limited, promoters of DSTV was synonymous with pay TV business.
Some of the local operators however died as quick as they came, take the stories of the rise and fall of Frontage Satellite Television (FSTV), first indigenous satellite TV broadcaster FSTV, founded by businessman, Reuben Famuyibo and Trumpet Internet Television (TITV).
They came and fizzled out with unfulfilled promises of matching Multichoice content for content empowering its West African audience through the most advanced communications technology.
Elsewhere, the progress being made by comeback Communications Trends Limited (CTL), known as Trend TV and the Highway Entertainment Limited, promoters of Hi-TV, is heartwarming.
Hi-TV particularly has demonstrated the Nigerianess of the pay-TV business and has so far run neck and neck with Multichoice in some content.
It has remained committed to its vision of providing qualitative, informative and entertainment content to the homes of millions of Nigerians at affordable tariff.
Like its peers, the entrance of Daarsat is expected to open a lot of opportunities for journalists.
It will also help to develop skills and expertise in broadcasting for the benefit of the broadcasting industry.
To forestall the fate that befell some operators, Daarsat will be relying on the strong financial muscle of Daar Communications, its parent company.
We welcome, Daarsat which has promised to bring new experience to pay-TV.
