ABUJA – Mr Emeka Mba, the Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has said that the commission would continue to deliver on its mandate to take broadcasting industry in the country to greater heights.
Mba stated this in Abuja on Sunday while briefing newsmen as part of the activities to mark the commission’s 22 years anniversary.
Mba, who said that the commission clocked 22 years on Sunday, said that the commission had been very dynamic and vibrant since its inception.
According to him, the commission has recorded many achievements in the country’s broadcasting industry.
“We have our challenges, but if you look back at some countries you will discover that the commission has been outstanding in the broadcasting sector.
“We are also very proud that the commission has been very consistent and effective in discharging its mandate,” he said.
He thanked the stakeholders who had been in the broadcasting industry over the years for their support and understanding.
“As you all know broadcasting is undergoing serious changes, bearing in mind that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) said all the countries must go digital latest by June 2015.
“ As you are also aware that the pace of technology is really changing, how media content is created and distributed, the diverse media industry, newspapers, radio, television,” said Mba.
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He said the commission had the responsibility to ensure that Nigeria moved all the stations into digital broadcasting system in line with ITU guidelines.
“The process has started, as many of you know, we just launched Jos as a pilot city, and today we have almost switched over Jos, because we can boast of about 90 per cent digital coverage.
“That is significant because what this means is that in the next few weeks, we shall see a total 100 per cent coverage of the whole Plateau,” he said.
Mba said that the commission had been working very hard with the Plateau government and all the stakeholders in the industry to achieve the target.
He said that at the end of the switch over campaign, more programmes would be introduced to entertain the viewers over multiple channels.
“All the broadcasters, whether government or private owned, who are operating on analogue format now, would be given free digital receptive channels to carry out their respective operations.”
He said that the commission had also concluded plans to cover the 2015 general elections and future elections.
The director-general said that at this time of insecurity and Ebola outbreak, information played a critical role in order to be well protected from these challenges.
He commended the broadcasters for their role in the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, saying that they should redouble their efforts in subsequent polls. (NAN)[eap_ad_3]
Commission celebrates 22 years, promises better service delivery
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