The Director-General of the NBC, Engr. Yomi Bolarinwa has said that Nigeria will have to review its switchover date for analogue to digital transmission, which, according to him is not only unique to Nigeria.
Although Engr. Bolarinwa did not specify the reasons for the proposed review of the digital switchover date, it is believed that the technical, financial and administrative frameworks that will support the transition are yet to be perfected by the federal government.
He said: “l must not fail to draw your attention to the phenomenon of digital broadcasting. The transition from analogue to digital transmission is imminent. Nigeria will have to review the switchover date, which I must say is not only unique to Nigeria.”
Engr. Bolarinwa made this disclosure in his speech at the NBC New Year Press parley in Abuja on January 14, 2013.
He said “As we are all aware, the Federal Government of Nigeria, on December 20th, 2012, inaugurated Digiteam Nigeria. The Digiteam Nigeria is made up of a group of professionals who have not only contributed immensely to the industry, but have years of experience to handle the mandate. This group of eminent Nigerians will drive the process of the transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television transmission in Nigeria in collaboration with the National Broadcasting Commission.”
“The NBC is committed to piloting this transition and is giving total support to Digiteam Nigeria in order for it to achieve its mandates with cooperation from the media.”
Engr. Bolarinwa also explained that the NBC supports public participation in broadcasting as a means of increasing public enlightenment and encouraging the viewing and listening public to get actively involved in identifying and complaining about broadcast materials that do not conform to their value systems.
Engr. Bolarinwa said: “The airwaves belong to the People and while the Commission continues to carry out its mandate, the people have the right to complain in conformity to Section 13.0.1 of the Code which states that: The Commission shall receive and enquire into any complaint; and where necessary arbitrate or impose sanctions for any non-compliance or non- adherence to: the content of broadcast materials; Conduct of the broadcast station; Terms and conditions and obligations of any broadcast license.”
The press parley is an annual event of the NBC which creates an avenue for journalist to interact with the broadcast regulator where it reviews activities of the previous year and make projections for the New Year.
Engr. Bolarinwa commended the journalist saying “This gathering in the first quarter of 2013, is to provide an opportunity for us as partners to be acquainted with the focus of the Commission this year and to collectively agree to continue to work together towards attaining the vision of developing a virile and responsive broadcast industry in Nigeria.”
Engr. Bolarinwa explained that despite the challenges faced in 2012, he was appreciative of the successes the NBC achieved in the previous year. Some of the achievements he listed were: NBC 20th Anniversary, Africast 2012, Monitoring Gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo states.
He concluded his speech by thanking everyone on behalf of the management and staff of the NBC for honoring the invitation and partnering with the NBC to achieve its goal of ensuring that Nigeria has a broadcasting industry comparable to the best in the world.
