FG to float N200bn fund for broadcast operators The Federal Government said it would float N200bn fund to enable operators in the Nigerian broadcast industry to deliver quality services to their consumers. Chairman of the National Broadcasting Commission, Prof. Herbert Orji, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday at the opening of the tenth edition of NBC’s flagship conference and exhibition known as Africast. Orji said the money would serve as revolving fund and would give broadcast operators the opportunity to obtain grants and loans at minimal interest rate. He also disclosed that the fund would be sourced from multilateral agencies, foreign organisations and other relevant bodies that are keen on supporting the Nigerian broadcast industry. Orji said on-going digitisation of the broadcast industry was not just about technology, adding that content occupied a place of primacy in the effort to migrate from analogue to digital broadcasting in the country. He said, “We have tried at NBC to focus attention perhaps not away from technology aspects but also to emphasise that content is important. In fact, it has been the experience of all the countries that have digitised that what drives and increases digital uptake is the availability of content. “Our role as the NBC and organisers of this event is to effectively manage the change that comes with digitisation while ensuring that existing players are not unfairly treated, invite necessary fresh investment into the broadcast landscape and promote innovation.” Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim, said the Federal Government would ensure that set-top boxes that enable analogue televisions to receive signal from digital transmitters are produced in the country. Anyim who was represented by Senior Special Adviser to the President, SGF Office, Dr. Ferdinand Agu, said the government would ensure that digital broadcasting does not cut off poorer segment of the society from broadcasting. He said, “We are mindful of the challenges of digitisation including the funding. We will encourage the production of set-top boxes in Nigeria. We will not allow any segment of the society to be cut off by digitisation.” Some stakeholders expressed doubts about the capacity of the country to meet the June 17 2015 deadline for migration from analogue to digital broadcasting. However, Director General of NBC, Mr. Emeka Mbah, said it was important for the entire industry to work together to achieve digitisation.
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 19:08:08 +0000
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