Latest news with #NationalBroadcastingCommission
Broadcast Pro
7 days ago
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
NBC and Nigcomsat launch satellite plan to transform broadcasting
For the first time, Nigerian households will gain access to high-quality digital broadcasts via affordable satellite dishes, hybrid devices, and internet-enabled set-top boxes. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) have jointly introduced The Big Picture, a flagship initiative under Nigerias renewed Digital Switchover (DSO) project. Backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, this strategic shift marks a significant step toward transforming Nigerias broadcasting landscape by leveraging the countrys sovereign satellite infrastructure. At the heart of the initiative is NigComSat-1R, Nigerias only communications satellite in orbit, which will play a critical role in delivering Direct-to-Home (DTH) broadcasts across the entire Nigerian territory. This satellite-first approach eliminates the traditional dependence on terrestrial transmission towers, accelerating the nationwide rollout of digital broadcasting by over 65%. It also offers a scalable, cost-effective, and future-ready model for expanding digital access and promoting national storytelling. Key figures, including NBCs Director-General, Barr Charles Ebuebu, and Nigcomsats Managing Director, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, have welcomed this forward-thinking strategy, emphasising its importance in maximising the use of national satellite assets and ensuring inclusive access to digital content. For the first time, millions of Nigerian households will be able to access high-quality digital broadcasts through affordable satellite dishes, hybrid set-top boxes, and internet-enabled devices. An estimated 10 million homes equipped with DVB-S2-compatible televisions or decoders will have immediate access to free-to-air channels, while others will benefit from next-generation hybrid devices that combine satellite feeds with online streaming capabilities. These new branded devices are designed with the countrys youth-dominated demographic in mindover 60% of the population is under the age of 25. They will feature pre-installed apps, voice search functionality, parental controls, and seamless integration with NigComSats Electronic Programme Guide (EPG), offering an intuitive and engaging user experience. In a data-driven upgrade to Nigerias broadcasting ecosystem, NBC is also partnering with global analytics firm GARB to introduce real-time audience measurement technology. This will enable broadcasters, advertisers and content creators to analyse viewership trends across regions and devices, helping to tailor content more effectively and drive higher audience engagement. The introduction of this system is expected to boost advertising revenue by as much as 300% by 2026. The success of The Big Picture will rely on robust collaboration between public and private stakeholders. The Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and other content partners are expected to supply 60% of programming for the new 120-channel platform, using both original and repurposed content. Meanwhile, local manufacturers will contribute by producing around 5 million compliant devices annually, a move projected to create over 20,000 jobs in assembly plants nationwide. This ambitious initiative also dovetails with President Tinubus By-Nigeria industrial policy, aiming to stimulate local manufacturing, strengthen economic resilience, and champion Nigerian creativity and innovation. As the country transitions to a fully digital future, The Big Picture stands as a transformative blueprint for democratising access to information and revitalizing Nigerias cultural narrative through technology.
Al-Ahram Weekly
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Nigeria bans song critical of president's economic record - Music - Arts & Culture
Nigeria's broadcasting authorities have banned a song critical of the president from airing on radio and television, the rapper behind the tune said. "Tell Your Papa" by Eedris Abdulkareem sharply criticises the administration of President Bola Tinubu, whose first two years in office have seen the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation as he embarks on deep economic reforms. The lyrics are addressed to Tinubu's son, calling on him to let his father know "people are dying" from economic hardship as well as continued insecurity from armed groups. Abdulkareem on Thursday posted a letter from the National Broadcasting Commission to his Instagram account, in which the rap -- with lyrics in Yoruba, English and Pidgin -- is described as "inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature". The letter, sent to TV and radio stations across the country asking them not to play the song, was dated Wednesday. The NBC did not respond to a request for comment. "It's obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed as a big crime by the government," Abdulkareem said on social media. Despite a thriving Afrobeats music scene and a huge film industry known as Nollywood, artists in Africa's most populous country face limits on free expression from government regulators, activists say. In response to the ban, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, a legal nonprofit, has threatened to sue the government. Tinubu came to office in May 2023, embarking on what the government and economists say are much-needed reforms to steady the country's finances -- including scrapping a costly fuel subsidy and loosening the exchange rate of the naira. While supporters say the reforms are key for reviving long-term investment in the country, ordinary Nigerians have suffered through rampant inflation as the value of the naira plummeted and the cost of goods soared. In response to the letter, Abdulkareem made another post telling those interested in listening to it to take to the internet. "We go stream," he wrote. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A song critical of Nigeria's president is barred from airwaves
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Authorities in Nigeria have barred radio stations from playing a song critical of President Bola Tinubu and his administration's policies, according to a memo seen Friday by The Associated Press. The country's media regulator described the content of 'Tell Your Papa' in the memo to radio stations as 'inappropriate for broadcast.' The song is a response by musician and outspoken government critic Eedris Abdulkareem to recent remarks by Seyi Tinubu, the president's son, who called his father the greatest leader in the country's history. In the afrobeats track, Abdulkareem asks the younger Tinubu to tell his father that his policies have brought widespread hardship to Africa's most populous country, while highlighting what he calls a string of unfulfilled 'empty promises.' Since taking office in 2023, Tinubu's policies such as the removal of subsidies on gasoline have hit hard as Nigeria grapples with fluctuating prices. Last year, at least 20 people were shot dead and hundreds more were arrested at protests demanding better opportunities and jobs for young people. In Wednesday's memo, the National Broadcasting Commission said the song violated section 3.1.8 of the country's broadcasting code that prohibits content that is in 'breach of public decency.' Still, the song has gone viral on social media. Addressing the ban in an Instagram post, Abdulkareem said constructive criticism is always seen as a crime by the government. 'Any wonder why Nigeria hasn't made impactful strides all these years?' he said. In 2004, another of Abdulkareem's songs, 'Jaga Jaga,' was banned. It was a critique of former President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration, which he described as corrupt. The 'bizarre ban' of the song is a violation of freedom of expression, Amnesty International said in a statement, describing the action as an abuse of power. 'This clamp down on artistic freedom is an appalling reminder that artists are at the risk of being silenced,' the rights group said.
The Independent
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
A song critical of Nigeria's president is barred from airwaves
Authorities in Nigeria have barred radio stations from playing a song critical of President Bola Tinubu and his administration's policies, according to a memo seen Friday by The Associated Press. The country's media regulator described the content of 'Tell Your Papa' in the memo to radio stations as 'inappropriate for broadcast.' The song is a response by musician and outspoken government critic Eedris Abdulkareem to recent remarks by Seyi Tinubu, the president's son, who called his father the greatest leader in the country's history. In the afrobeats track, Abdulkareem asks the younger Tinubu to tell his father that his policies have brought widespread hardship to Africa's most populous country, while highlighting what he calls a string of unfulfilled 'empty promises.' Since taking office in 2023, Tinubu's policies such as the removal of subsidies on gasoline have hit hard as Nigeria grapples with fluctuating prices. Last year, at least 20 people were shot dead and hundreds more were arrested at protests demanding better opportunities and jobs for young people. In Wednesday's memo, the National Broadcasting Commission said the song violated section 3.1.8 of the country's broadcasting code that prohibits content that is in 'breach of public decency.' Still, the song has gone viral on social media. Addressing the ban in an Instagram post, Abdulkareem said constructive criticism is always seen as a crime by the government. 'Any wonder why Nigeria hasn't made impactful strides all these years?' he said. In 2004, another of Abdulkareem's songs, 'Jaga Jaga,' was banned. It was a critique of former President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration, which he described as corrupt. The 'bizarre ban' of the song is a violation of freedom of expression, Amnesty International said in a statement, describing the action as an abuse of power. 'This clamp down on artistic freedom is an appalling reminder that artists are at the risk of being silenced,' the rights group said.
Associated Press
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
A song critical of Nigeria's president is barred from airwaves
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Authorities in Nigeria have barred radio stations from playing a song critical of President Bola Tinubu and his administration's policies, according to a memo seen Friday by The Associated Press. The country's media regulator described the content of 'Tell Your Papa' in the memo to radio stations as 'inappropriate for broadcast.' The song is a response by musician and outspoken government critic Eedris Abdulkareem to recent remarks by Seyi Tinubu, the president's son, who called his father the greatest leader in the country's history. In the afrobeats track, Abdulkareem asks the younger Tinubu to tell his father that his policies have brought widespread hardship to Africa's most populous country, while highlighting what he calls a string of unfulfilled 'empty promises.' Since taking office in 2023, Tinubu's policies such as the removal of subsidies on gasoline have hit hard as Nigeria grapples with fluctuating prices. Last year, at least 20 people were shot dead and hundreds more were arrested at protests demanding better opportunities and jobs for young people. In Wednesday's memo, the National Broadcasting Commission said the song violated section 3.1.8 of the country's broadcasting code that prohibits content that is in 'breach of public decency.' Still, the song has gone viral on social media. Addressing the ban in an Instagram post, Abdulkareem said constructive criticism is always seen as a crime by the government. 'Any wonder why Nigeria hasn't made impactful strides all these years?' he said. In 2004, another of Abdulkareem's songs, 'Jaga Jaga,' was banned. It was a critique of former President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration, which he described as corrupt. The 'bizarre ban' of the song is a violation of freedom of expression, Amnesty International said in a statement, describing the action as an abuse of power. 'This clamp down on artistic freedom is an appalling reminder that artists are at the risk of being silenced,' the rights group said.
