Lai Muhammed Applauds Digitization Of Broadcast Industry
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has applauded the call for digitisation of the broadcast industry. He says with this, Nigeria’s broadcast industry will have the capacity to generate over $1bn yearly.
The minister stated this while declaring open the 11th Biennial Conference of Africa Broadcasters (Africast 2016).
He added that digital broadcasting would also raise the number of the current 450 TV stations in the country and generate millions of jobs.
“The digitisation of broadcasting offers Nigeria a lot of opportunities.
“The benefits are multifaceted and very far-reaching – in the areas of economics, politics, education, entertainment, science and technology and several other ways.
“Many have said that the impact of digitisation on television will be revolutionary and I cannot agree less,’’ the minister said.
He applauded the massive growth of the industry after the 1992 deregulation which allowed private initiatives.
Lai Mohammed: Government will Ensure Digitization Deadline
The minister reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to meeting the new deadline for transition to digital broadcasting by June 2017.
According to Lai Mohammed, the transition will open the window for free TV service with up to 30 various channels. It will also curb piracy and encourage a free press and open democracy underpinned by local content channels.
The minister charged broadcasters in Africa to embrace digital technology and platforms for diverse content. He urged them to use the media to serve the people in terms of security, economic well-being and technological advancement.
Africast 2016, with the theme: “Digital Terrestial Broadcasting: Financing Quality Content’’ has stakeholders from Africa, America and Europe.
It is a platform for stakeholders in Africa’s broadcasting scene to converge and exchange ideas on content creation and explore the possibilities offered by the new and emerging technology.
