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ANALOGUE TO DIGITAL BROADCAST SWITCHOVER: AN INQUIRY INTO THE

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BROADCAST SECTOR

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 Nasarawa Journal of
Multimedia and Communication
Studies (NJMCS)
Volume 4, Number 2, August Aug. 2022 ISSN: 2635-3091

©Nasarawa Journal of Multimedia and Communication Studies

is a peer reviewed Journal published annually
by the Department of Mass Communication,
Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.
 Nasarawa Journal of Multimedia and Communication
Studies (NJMCS)
Volume 4, Number 2, August Aug. 2022 ISSN: 2635-3091

EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor in-Chief Production Editors
Professor Anthony I. Igyuve Godswill O. Okiyi PhD
Anthony Ogande PhD
Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Josiah Sabo Kente, PhD Circulation Managers
Suleiman Garba
Associate Editors Zainab Anzaku
Ter-moses Akase, PhD Ahmad Muhammad Auwal
Kaior S. Akpede PhD
Mohammed S. Rabiu, PhD Editorial Assistant
Andrea Ezeonoikwa
Managing Editor/ Editorial
Board Secretary
Tsegyu Santas PhD

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Professor Umaru Pate
Professor Lai Oso
Professor Emmanuel S. Dandaura -
Professor Ike Ndolo
Professor Nnanyelugo Okoro
Professor Charles Okigbo
Professor Levi Obonyo
Professor Dele Akindele
Professor Ezekiel S. Asemah
- Federal University Kashere, Gombe
State, Nigeria
- Lagos State Univerity, Ojo, Nigeria
Nasarawa State University Keffi,
Nigeria
- Enugu State University of Science and
Technology, Nigeria
- University of Nigeria Nsukka
- North Dakota State University, USA
- Daystar University, Kenya
- University of Botswana
- Glorious Vision University Ogwa, Edo
State, Nigeria

ii
Nasarawa Journal of Multimedia and Communication Studies (NJMCS)

Volume 4, Number 2, August Aug. 2022 ISSN: 2635-3091

Contents

Twitter Memes as Satirical Political Communication in The Digital Media

Ecology: Analysis of the 2020 Edo State Governorship Election in Nigeria
Barikui Nnaane 1

Interpersonal Communication in Conflict Resolution: A Study of Indigene-

Settler Relationship in Ezza-Ezillo and Ezillo Communities of Ebonyi State
Michael O. Ukonu, Matthew Udaya Onuh & Uchenna Nworie 17

Storytelling Interactive Approach: A Viable Tool For Addressing The Issue

Of Girl-Child Dropout From Schools In Nigeria
Omobolaji Fati & Samuel Okere 35

Analogue To Digital Broadcast Switchover: An Inquiry Into The Progress,

Challenges, And Benefits Of Digitising The Nigerian Broadcast Sector
Oyedokun Dolapo M., Molindo W. Archibong & Ajayi Moyinoluwa P. 50

Appraisal Of Persuasive Communication Principles As Tools For Effective

Advertising In A Dynamic Economy
Tyotom Keghku & Peter I. Ugondo 67

Radio News Programming In Indigenous Language And Use Of Infotainment:

An Analysis Of Koko Inu Iwe Irohin
Sanni, Omolade, O. & Abina, Olumide, I. 83

Whatsapp And Fake News Sharing On Covid-19: A Study Of Whatsapp Users

In Zaria Metropolis
Kabiru Danladi & Ibrahim Jimoh 99

Entertainment Industry And Nigerian Social Values

Desmond Onyemechi Okocha & Michael P. Echoi 111

New Media Technologies And Its Impact On Mass Communication

Practice In Nigeria
Akpan, E. Aloysius, P. Itoro Ubong & Akarika, D. Calixtus 125

Investigative Journalism: Training And Scope Among Journalists In Abuja

Gausu, Ahmad & Mohammed, Jibril Nasir 140
iv
A N A L O G U E T O D I G I TA L B R O A D C A S T
S W I T C H O V E R : A N I N Q U I RY I N TO T H E
PROGRESS, CHALLENGES, AND BENEFITS OF
DIGITISING THE NIGERIAN BROADCAST
SECTOR

Oyedokun Dolapo Michael NJMCS

Vol. 4 No. 2 Aug. 2022
Department of Mass Communication, pp; 50 - 66
Nasarawa State University, Keffi
oyedokundolapo@gmail.com
&
Molindo Williams Archibong
Department of Mass Communication,
Nasarawa State University, Keffi
wamolindo13@gmail.com
&
Ajayi Moyinoluwa Precious
Department of Mass Communication, Babcock University,
Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
ajayimoyioluwa@gmail.com

Abstract
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) on June 16, 2006, gathered
representatives from 104 countries at an international conference in Geneva,
Switzerland, where these countries agreed and signed a convention to migrate
television broadcasts from analogue to digital with a deadline of June 17, 2015.
The ITU agreement grants several African countries, including Nigeria, a further
five years until 2020 for the switchover completion. This study examined the
progress, challenges, and benefits of the analogue-digital switchover in the
Nigerian broadcast industry. The study employs the library research technique,
using secondary sources of data such as books, journals, articles, and websites.
The technological determinism theory serves as the theoretical backbone upon
which this study is anchored. According to the findings, digital television provides
crisper pictures and sound, the signals are less prone to distortion and the audience
will be provided with numerous channels to choose from. As at the time of this
report, the analogue to digital transition process has been completed in Plateau
State, Abuja (FCT), Kwara, Osun, Enugu, Kaduna, Lagos, and Kano. However,
the digitisation process is faced with some challenges such as inadequate funding,
scarcity of qualified manpower, inadequate power supply, citizens' unawareness,
and inadequate digital equipment. The study concluded that until these issues and
other relevant issues are solved, a successful analogue to digital migration may be
2022 Analogue to Digital Broadcast Switchover 51
unachievable on time in Nigeria. The study then recommended that government
should provide enough financial resources to fund the switchover. Also, the
concerned agencies should embark on rigorous publicity as many Nigerians are
still not aware of the initiative.
Keywords: Digital broadcasting, Free TV, Radio and TV, Nigeria

Introduction
The Nigerian broadcasting sector is silently transitioning from analogue to digital
technologies. A technical breakthrough that will alter the scope of radio and
television transmission worldwide. On June 16, 2006, representatives from 104
nations agreed and signed a convention at an international conference in Geneva,
Switzerland, organised by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for
broadcasting to move to a new, higher level. The agreement called for the
transition of television broadcasts from analogue to digital. It also established a
timeframe: setting the commencement of the transition from analogue to digital
television transmission to be June 17, 2006, with a deadline of June 17, 2015
(Balarabe, 2013). The ITU timeframe, as part of the resolution, solely applies to
the digitisation of TV broadcasting, while the timeframe for radio was yet to be
decided. Furthermore, the ITU agreement grants several African countries,
including Nigeria, a further five years until 2020 for the completion of the
switchover.
Since the agreement became effective in 2006, many nations, including the
United States of America and European countries, have completed the transition to
digital broadcasting. Kenya and Nairobi have set an example for others in Africa
by implementing a phased migration strategy within the first few years of the
digital migration (Akinreti, Ojo, Odegbenle, Owolabi, Tsebee, Goke, Jegede &
Nwaolikpe, 2013). In reaction to that deadline, the then Minister of Information
and Communication, Mr. John Ogar Odey Nigeria through a committee set June
17, 2012, as the switchover date, which is three years early than the ITU's deadline.
Some worry that Nigeria is on the right track, but others such as Oshodin (2009)
consider "Nigeria's digital broadcast migration as a mirage" if specific actions are
not done by the government and stakeholders (Ihechu & Uche, 2012). However, as
predicted by Oshodin (2009), Nigeria could not complete the switchover in either
2012 or 2015, the first timeframe set by the ITU.
The biggest fear for Nigeria at the start of the switchover was that both the
broadcasters and people lacked the fundamental knowledge necessary to pull off
the accomplishment. As a result, Nigerians who do not want to fall behind in
technological advancement have two alternatives: to get a digital-compliant TV
set to enjoy the new technology or to make use of a set-top box (STB) which is an
analogue-digital signal converter. The STB is like a standard decoder that easily
connects to the TV and allows one to continue receiving programme signals.Given
the above, this study seeks to inquire about the progress, challenges, and benefits
of the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting in Nigeria.
52 NASARAWA JOURNAL OF MULTIMEDIA AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES Vol. 4 No.2

Conceptualising Digital Broadcasting

Digitisation is the process of transforming analogue data into digital data.
manuscripts, books, photos, maps, audio recordings, motion pictures, ephemera,
and other things might be transformed (Balarabe, 2013). The purpose of
digitisation is to enhance access to information, that is, for most digitised items to
be searchable and available on online databases through the internet. To be
digitised, the materials or information must be transformed using a means of
digital capturing software without disrupting the information contained in the
physical copy. That is, the digital representation should have the exact information
as the analogue.
The usage of digital technology in the transmission and reception of
broadcasting services is known as digital broadcasting. In terms of information
collection, the two technologies (analogue and digital) are fundamentally the same
in that they both turn the collected information (sound, images) into electrical
signals. Instead of directly using the electrical signal, digital technology takes
representative samples of the original signal and transforms them into numbers,
resulting in a digital representation of the information (BAZ, 2012). The transition
from analogue to digital broadcasting entails the use of digital broadcasting
technology in the provision of broadcasting services, as opposed to the use of
analogue broadcasting technology. This migration is being hard-pressed by the
benefits of digital broadcasting technology, which has resulted in most nations
across the world undertaking the process of migrating.
In digital television broadcasting, the signal can be distributed in four different
ways: by cable, satellite, digital terrestrial television, and mobile phones. The
cable transmission is extremely adaptable (as far as the number of channels it can
transmit). It has the capability of transmitting over 200 digital television channels
to home viewers. It may give both rapid Internet access and a regular phone
connection. The transmission standard used in cable television is known as
"liberate." Satellite broadcasting, on the other hand, may transmit 100 channels. It
is a one-way digital broadcast service using an "open TV" transmission standard
(Endong, 2015). Also, broadcasting is now possible via mobile gadgets through
software applications and websites.
There is also the high definition (HD) format in radio, which is a service that
enables and increases the signal quality of terrestrial radio stations. HD radio has
the capability of enhancing FM stations to generate high-fidelity sound, that is,
sound as good as a CD. Furthermore, this format has the potential to make AM
stations sound as good as existing FM stations (Endong, 2015).
Digitisation broadens the information format options, enhances radio
broadcast sound quality by reducing static, hiss, pops, and fades, and provides data
presentation capabilities for receivers. It also offers possibilities for multicasting
that is, transmitting several high-quality channels on the same frequency using an
analogue radio to compare it to digital radio. Digital radio assigns numbers (digits)
2022 Analogue to Digital Broadcast Switchover 53
to broadcast sounds, which take up less air space than analogue waves. Digital
signals can also provide sharp, clear signals.

Digital Broadcast Switchover in Nigeria: The Journey So Far

Given the enormous benefits provided by digital technology, many Nigerian
critics, media professionals, and government officials have repeatedly emphasised
the necessity, indeed, imperativeness, for Nigeria to adopt the whole broadcast
media business to the prevailing digital revolution. Nigeria, just like other nations
also subscribed to the digitisation directive from the ITU as the late President
Umaru Musa Yar-Adua in 2007 directed the National Broadcasting Commission
(NBC) to start the country's analogue to digital broadcast migration. Following
this presidential directive, the then Minister of Information and Communication,
Mr. John Ogar Odey, established a committee to work out procedures for ensuring
that the country's broadcast media and the nation at large benefited from the unique
digitisation opportunities. Engineer Isaac Wakombo, a former Director of
Engineering of the NTA presided over the committee. The committee included
veterans and serving broadcast engineers, as well as experts from broadcasting,
telecommunications, and related industries. The committee also proposed that,
rather than a 2015 deadline, the Nigerian government direct media operators to
work toward 2010-2012 by collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Information
and Communication. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the
Nigerian Communications Commission were both intimately involved in this
process (Akinreti, et al., 2013).
Following several failures, another date, June 17, 2017, was set for the
completion of the DSO process, but the government was unable to achieve 95
percent digital access across the country, which is the standard for the digital
switch-over (DSO). The DSO process began in two Nigerian cities, Jos, and
Abuja, with ambitions to expand it throughout the country's six geopolitical zones
(Okonji, 2017). The government provided $10 billion to NBC in September 2016
for the complete implementation of the DSO, yet the transition has not yet been
completed (NBC, 2017).
Jos was selected for the pilot Digital Terrestrial Transmission (DTT) rollout,
which was supposed to begin on June 30, 2014. This aim was not fulfilled because
set-top-box (STB) manufacturers were unable to establish local firms to begin
operations. The Federal Government then granted permission to thirteen (13) STB
manufacturers to import a restricted quantity of STBs to launch the pilot
programme in Jos, Plateau state. The government also authorised the free
distribution of STBs to Jos residents to ensure a smooth flag-off. Finally, on April
30, 2016, the Jos DTT began with an initial offer of 15 channels on the ITS Limited
Platform. The second digital switch-on in Abuja was launched on the Pinnacle
Communications Limited network on December 22, 2016, with an initial offer of
30 channels (Escor, Ogri & Henshaw, 2019). Following the pilot programmes in
54 NASARAWA JOURNAL OF MULTIMEDIA AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES Vol. 4 No.2

Abuja and Plateau, the NBC has systematically rolled out set-top-box (Free TV) to
other states such as Kwara, Osun, Kaduna, Enugu, Lagos, and recently, Kano. As a
result, the government claimed that this was done in phases due to the cost of the
procedure.
Aside from the government's advances toward digital broadcast planning, the
Nigerian media business has achieved some additional milestones on its path to
total digitisation. In practice, many radio and television stations have adopted
online/web broadcasting. Such stations have included digital content, such as
webcasts, into their news and programming. Private radio stations (Brila 88.9 FM
and Cool FM) and government-owned stations (Radio Nigeria Ibadan and Eko
FM) are among the first to embrace digital broadcasting. These stations transmit
online via websites and, more recently, social media channels.
The arrival of cable and satellite pay-tv platforms like HiTV, Multichoice
(DSTV and GoTV), and StarTimes, among others, has heightened the seriousness
and efforts of Nigerian media stations to digitalise. StarTimes specifically,
pioneered the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT/DTTV) system, which was
eventually updated to DVB-T2 (the most recent version of the technology),
throughout the country (Endong, 2015). This technology gives Nigerian
subscribers additional channel selections. As a result, the DVB-T2 is designed to
prepare Nigerian subscribers for the digitisation future. Through a variety of
collaborations with local media. StarTimes has successfully introduced Digital
Satellite Television services in Nigerian households, providing a diverse selection
of news and programming.
TStv, a Nigeria cable TV was launched on October 1, 2017, to further boost the
digital broadcasting experience. The pay-tv did not only come with a decoder and
satellite dish, but also with the inclusion of internet data. TStv has pay-per-view
options that allow viewers to pay as low as 20naira to watch a particular channel
for an entire day. The federal government of Nigeria in support of this initiative
announced a 3years tax-free bonus to enable the organisation to “find its feet” amid
established competitors. Cable and satellite TV has also thrown its doors open to
local TV stations to join in the digitisation process on its platform. For instance,
some local stations such as AIT, OGTV, BCOS, Channels, Galaxy TV, NTA,
Silverbird and many more are accessible on most Nigerian cable TV platforms.
Similarly, telecommunication operators and internet service providers such as
Globalcom and Airtel have initiated a project to introduce a triplet-play service
including high-speed internet TV through smartphones. Airtel in 2019 launched
Airtel TV, a video streaming app that allows its subscribers to access varieties of
videos for free if they have internet data. Briefly after that, the giant
telecommunication company launched another mobile TV called “Airtel Xtream”
which features movies, web series, and short films for their subscribers. Globacom
(Glo) on August 25, 2021, also followed by announcing Glo TV, an innovative TV
streaming platform that operates on mobile phones via app and web for other
2022 Analogue to Digital Broadcast Switchover 55
devices. The platform offers news, sports, music, and cartoon content as it sets to
become Nigeria's one-stop entertainment destination.
It could be observed from the above-discussed strategies that tremendous
efforts are been made by both the Nigerian government and the media houses to
effectively realise the country's migration from analogue to digital media
broadcast. The present administration has assured that the nation will not miss out
on digital broadcasting with a series of plans and actions.

Review of Empirical Studies

Escor, Ogri, and Henshaw (2019) in a study of the public perception of digital
broadcasting in Nigeria investigate the transition process from analogue to digital
television broadcasting in Calabar, Cross River State. The survey research design
was utilised to collect data through interview and questionnaire. The respondents
comprise Calabar Metropolis's television viewers, broadcasters, communication
specialists, and researchers. The findings shows that there is still a low level of
knowledge and publicity concerning digital television transmission among
Calabar inhabitants. The study further revealed that television stations in the state
capital have yet to fully digitise their studios, and Cross River State is not one of the
states slated to be the first to launch digital broadcasting in Nigeria. Factors such as
a lack of funds, a lack of political will, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and reported
examples of financial embezzlement were mentioned as being responsible for the
DTTB project's delay in execution in Nigeria. As a result, the researchers
recommended that NBC and other key stakeholders actively carry out a national
public awareness campaign regarding the DTTB initiative. Furthermore, the
government should devote greater resources to project implementation, while
private firms should be encouraged to join.
Oyedele (2019) conducted a study on Ibadan television stations' readiness for
digital transition. The study analysed selected television stations' preparedness for
digital broadcasting in Ibadan. A total of 108 staff members from the Nigerian
Television Authority (NTA) Ibadan, African Independent Television (AIT),
Broadcasting Television of Oyo State (BCOS), MITV, New Frontiers Television,
and Galaxy Television completed questionnaires on content production staff
training and the provision of digital broadcasting equipment. The findings reveal
that, despite significant obstacles in these important areas, the stations are already
taking some major moves toward delivering the promised digital broadcasting
experience. In recommendation, all regulators, employees, and management of
television stations must set realistic deadlines for bringing this ambition to fruition
at many of the remaining stations that are trailing behind.
Dyikuk and Chinda (2017) assessed the adventures and misadventures of
Nigeria's digital switchover. The research employed modernisation theory as a
theoretical framework to determine the country's degree of compliance with the
digital switchover date. When compared to other nations that satisfied the
56 NASARAWA JOURNAL OF MULTIMEDIA AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES Vol. 4 No.2

requirements of the switchover time restriction, the study revealed that the
drawback is due to a lack of political will, technological glitches, and
infrastructural weaknesses. The researchers proposed nurturing strong political
will, providing technologically equipped infrastructure, and integrating
commercial sector partners as viable approaches toward meeting the standard. The
study stated that failure to replicate the pilot efforts in Jos, Plateau State, and Abuja
across the country amounted to just lip service and a premeditated misadventure.
Eze, Orekyeh, and Ezeanwu (2017) in an assessment of TV consumers'
awareness of digital migration process in Enugu metropolis examined the level of
awareness of the digital migration process among Enugu metropolitan TV
viewers. The study used diffusion of innovation theory to understand the
distribution route of the digital migration process. To obtain data from
respondents, the study used a survey approach with a questionnaire. Using a multi-
stage sampling method. The survey reveals a poor degree of awareness of the
digital migration process among Enugu metropolitan inhabitants. Dissatisfied
with their existing TV viewing experience, respondents exhibited a favourable
attitude about digital migration and stated a readiness to investigate the new TV
viewing experience it offers. The study established the profitability potentials for
digital broadcasting adoption among Enugu metropolis residents, most of the
respondent affirmed that favourable presentation on the impressive structure and
function of digital broadcasting from a reputable source would further stimulate
them to embrace the technology. Given the importance of awareness in the
diffusion process, this study recommended for well-designed sensitisation efforts
to educate Nigerians about the digital migration process to ensure a successful
digital rollout.

Theoretical Framework
This study is underpinned by Marshall McLuhan's technological determinism
theory, which he proposed in 1964 when he recognised that new communication
and media technologies would influence social changes, transforming the world
into a global village. McLuhan stated that technology clearly has an impact on how
people think, how society is structured, and the type of culture that is formed. This
theory predicts that the rise of the internet, as well as its adoption and relevance in
mobilising people for political activities, would have an impact on the electoral
process and the general political climate (Okoro & Nwafor, 2013).
The idea of technological determinism seeks to establish a correlation between
technology and the nature of a society. It attempts to explain who or what could
wield influence in human affairs. The theory calls into question the extent to which
technological influences impact human thought or action. Technological
determinism manifests itself at several levels. It begins with the introduction of
newer technologies, which introduce various changes and, at times, can even lead
to the loss of existing knowledge. The introduction of modern agricultural tools
2022 Analogue to Digital Broadcast Switchover 57
and approaches, for example, has resulted in a progressive loss of understanding of
conventional farming ways. As a result, technology influences the amount of
knowledge in a society. Langdon Winner (1980) added two hypotheses to this
theory: a given society's technology is a basic influencer of the many ways in
which a society exists; and changes in technology are the major and most essential
cause of change in the society.
One of the criticisms levelled regarding technological determinism is that
technology never imposes itself on members of society. Man invents technology
and decides to employ it. He creates television and chooses to watch it. There is no
compulsion on the part of the technology to be used; rather, technology compels
individuals to participate or involve themselves in some way in order to use a car or
a microwave. The decision to use technology and experience its impacts is thus in
the hands of a human being. Also, Baran (2004) agrees with a view of
technological determinism that sees technology as more neutral and claims that the
way humans utilise it is what gives it meaning. This viewpoint, which sees
technology as one of many elements shaping historical, economic, political, and
cultural developments, is ultimately decided by the amount of power given to it by
the people and cultures that adopt it.
Okoro and Nwafor (2013) states that, communication is a fundamental
component of technological determinism theory, which asserts that
communication technology in general are the primary causes of social change.
Oliver (2011) also described McLuhan's technological revolution as continually
evolving, as well as the individuals who handle the process, what they do, and how
they do it.
In relation to this study, the theory proposes that modern communication and
media technologies, by broadcasting social changes over long and short distances
in a short amount of time, are transforming the world into a global village.
However, it must be acknowledged that prior to the emergence of new
technologies (digital), there existed technologies (analogue). Radio, for example,
began in the early 1900s as a wired kind of information delivery medium before
being streamlined in size and increased capability. Individuals do not need to own
a radio or television set to stay informed these days. This demonstrates how far
technology has developed in improving human activities and interactions. The
persistent desire to eliminate distance barriers and improve the clarity of human
communication necessitates progress in digitising broadcast media. Nigeria, as a
case study, cannot afford to ignore the digital trend due to the potential it offers.

Methodology
This study adopts the library research method whereby data is gathered through
relevant literature such as books, journals, reports, and websites (Oyedokun,
2020). This allows for the gathering of relevant information on the subject matter
based on the existing literature.
58 NASARAWA JOURNAL OF MULTIMEDIA AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES Vol. 4 No.2

Benefits of Digital Broadcasting in Nigeria

Digital broadcasting provides huge benefits to all stakeholders, including
audiences and broadcasters. These advantages come in form of programme
contents, high-quality transmissions, media convergence, and many channels
(Plum, 2014). Nonetheless, various sections of society will gain in different ways.
The benefits of digitisation to different stakeholder are listed below:
Regulatory Agency: The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) which
is the regulatory agency in this case will benefit from greater income from new
licenses. In the long run, specialised areas of broadcasting will be promoted,
tackling topics previously ignored by commercial broadcasters.
Broadcasters: With digital transmission, broadcasters will enter a new age of
cost-effectiveness. This is because a station can transmit up to four channels on the
same frequency. Furthermore, digital programme development is more versatile
and quicker than analogue. Again, stations may rely on syndicated programming
in general since the digitisation process promotes equitable chances, resulting in
good competition (Uzor; 2008). Digital technology does not require heavy
equipment, the amount of money spent on salaries, maintenance, and
infrastructure will be reduced (Ihechu & Uche, 2012). And just a few workers are
needed to operate such machinery. Radio stations have new financial prospects
because of digital radio.
Content Creators: Not only do content producers have more avenues for
lawful exploitation of works and more avenues for broadcasting programmes but
there is also more demand for all kinds of programmes to cover the additional
programming demands in the increasingly accessible channels (Udeorah, 2008).
As current broadcast stations begin to grow the number of channels because of the
digitisation process, the need for programming will rise. As a result, content
suppliers will have work more to meet the demands of the several stations that will
be looking for programme producers. This will result in competition, which will
lead to the provision of high-quality material. At the end of the day, the content
suppliers will maximise their profits.
Broadcast Audience: Because of optimal spectrum usage, digital
broadcasting will provide viewers with additional content options (Udeorah,
2008). Viewers will receive clearer pictures since digital transmission promises
television images as clear and crisp. Because viewers would be able to get many
channels from a single station, utilisation will be maximised. As a result, the
diversity will improve the pleasure efficiency of broadcasting. Furthermore,
digital broadcasting improves media convergence, allowing viewers to utilise TV
in combination with telephones, computers, and other information and
communication technology.
National interest: The spectrum will be freed up after the changeover is
complete. As a result, the spectrum may be used for other services ((Ocholi, 2009).
The upshot is that radio and television stations in Nigeria will have access to a large
2022 Analogue to Digital Broadcast Switchover 59
amount of spectrum This is because digital transmission improves limited
spectrum usage (Uzor, 2008).
Divergence of the Economy: The transmission technique has the potential to
establish a new leading digital economy, television, and content ecosystem. It is
predicted that the government would accumulate over $100 billion through
spectrum auctions, as well as a flourishing digital economy that will generate at
least fifty-five thousand highly trained employment (Aginam, 2017).
Furthermore, as a game-changer, the DSO can assist the government in achieving
one of its primary aims, which is economic diversification. It can create jobs and
ignite the enormous creative potential of today's youngsters. It is also a solution to
some of the most difficult challenges confronting the creative industry, such as
piracy and distribution.
Advertisers' interest: When evaluating all the benefits of digital
broadcasting that have been described above, it is important not to overlook other
benefits related to the media and society. In this regard, media convergence will
open new advertising opportunities. Additional advertising, content, and
Nollywood revenue sources, as well as the creation of a high-tech STB
manufacturing economy, would result in a two-hundred-billion-dollar annual
boost (Dyikuk & Chinda, 2017). Many outlets will be accessible for them to sell
their products and reach a bigger audience. According to Ekeh (2009), the transfer
of television from the traditional television set to the mobile device would herald a
whole new world of possibilities for marketers seeking to reach clients and
prospects, as well as for the whole advertising sector.
Other benefits: Furthermore, digital broadcasting will improve the entire
dissemination of local material, which is emphasised by NBC. Additionally, the
call for community broadcasting will face fewer barriers since, with the multiple
channel concept, part of a station's channels might be community focused. In truth,
the advantages of digitization are not limited to those listed here; they are
numerous.

Challenges of Broadcast Digitisation in Nigeria

Despite the numerous advantages of digital broadcasting, Nigeria has been
reported to be confronted with the following issues because of the country's low
level of technical progress and individual income levels:
Funding: The transition from analogue to digital broadcasting necessitates a
significant investment in equipment and technology. Finance is required to obtain
this. Broadcasters will need to purchase new digital equipment spanning from
production to transmission. The Nigerian government has been implementing
critical background planning, such as the licensing of manufacturers to produce
set-top-boxes (STB), transmission carriers, signal distributors, and other strategic
instruments. One of the primary reasons preventing comprehensive digitisation as
previously anticipated is a lack of significant financial assistance from the
60 NASARAWA JOURNAL OF MULTIMEDIA AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES Vol. 4 No.2

government).
The country's transition from analogue to digital broadcasting is being slowed
by the high expense of acquiring the necessary equipment. For example, the first
phase's 650,000 boxes cost $26 million, even though there are over 35 million
television homes in Nigeria, with each box costing approximately $45 per box
(NBC, 2017). The government noted that the procedure is costly, which is why it
the switchover is being done in stages, resulting in a bouquet of 30 programmes
that would continue to grow as additional television content providers come on
board.
Technical challenges: Unavailability/inadequacy of digital equipment is also
a major hindrance to effective migration in Nigeria (Omale, Ekhaerafo & Essien,
2016). Many of the country's television stations lack the necessary digital
technology to make the switchover a reality in their respective stations. Okafor
(2015) discovered that many TV stations in South-East and South-South Nigeria
do not have suitable digital broadcast equipment.
Political will: One of the many reasons for the sluggish pace of the digital
transition programme is a lack of political will on the part of the administration.
Where bribery and corruption reign supreme, it is impossible to deliver on the
promises of digital television to the Nigerian people (Dyikuk & Chinda, 2017).
Clear political will has yet to be demonstrated, as seen by the acquisition of the
required money to assist the digital process. According to The Guardian, President
Muhammadu Buhari's sacking of the former acting Director-General (DG) of the
National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Armstrong Idachaba, on June 11, is a
key element stalling the process. Idachaba's contract was terminated in February
2020, and he was replaced by Balarabe Shehu Ilelah (Adepetun, 2021).
Inadequate power supply: The government has spent a huge amount of
money to revitalise the power sector their efforts have proven to be fruitless. As a
result, generators are found at almost every corner of a Nigerian street as an
alternative to the failing power supply. People have no choice but to use
individuals must utilise these generators to live life (Ihechu & Uche, 2012).
Likewise, businesses, including gas stations, telecommunications, banks,
factories, broadcasting organisations, and many others, rely on generators to
operate. In the long run, it affects the cost of manufacturing or service provision.
The fees are then passed on to the customers. It is worth noting here that the
epileptic power supply and inexorable reliance on generators offer significant
difficulties to the digitalsation process (Agbo & Chukwuma, 2017).
Consumers' cost: Given the poor economic status of many Nigerians,
meeting the deadline would be a mammoth feat for all members of the audience.
Even if set-top boxes (STBs) are to be utilised, they must first be purchased. STBs
are used to link TVs that are not digitally compatible. Hassan (2015) discovered in
his research that many broadcast audiences in Northern Nigeria lack the financial
power required to comply with the transition to digital broadcasting. Ebimini
2022 Analogue to Digital Broadcast Switchover 61
(2015) in similar research discovered that most inhabitants in rural areas within the
South-South region of Nigeria cannot afford digital facilities to view digital
programming on digital television.
Inadequacy of qualified workforce: As a result of new technological
equipment, the existing broadcast professionals who may fit in may not be enough
to fill the seats, posing an initial hurdle. Training and re-training workers to
integrate into the digital process is necessary as there is a need for a matched
workforce who can handle the new technology (Ogbuoshi, 2013). Those who are
unable to comprehend the flexibility and/or cope with the fragility of modern
technologies may be pushed into the labour market. This will eventually add to a
load of unemployment that has plagued the country in recent years (Ihechu &
Uche, 2012). This issue necessitates sufficient training of existing computer
illiterate media professionals or the employment of new computer illiterate
personnel.
Awareness: Another problem is the audience's and general public's, lack of
knowledge of the digitisation process. Nigeria has a sizable illiterate population.
Many of these people live in rural regions. They do not have easy access to
information about the procedure. There is also a lack of awareness in government
agencies (Ihechu & Uche, 2012). These events create a vacuum between those
who understand the process and those who do not. In this regard, the digitisation
process faces the difficulty of being dragged backward by those who do not
comprehend the challenges and other complexities of the programme. According
to Eze et al. (2017), most TV users in the Enugu metropolitan had not heard about
the federal government's digital switch-over programme. Njoku (2015)
discovered in his research that both media employees and the public had a high
level of ignorance.

Discussion of Findings
The first Digital Terrestrial Transmission (DTT) roll-out took place on April 30,
2016, with an initial offer of 15 channels in Jos, Plateau State's capital city. The
government also authorised the free distribution of STBs to Jos residents to ensure
a smooth flag-off. On December 22, 2016, Abuja's second digital switch-on began,
with an initial offering of 30 channels. Following the pilot programmes in Abuja
and Plateau NBC has systematically rolled out set-top-box (Free TV) to other
states such as Kwara, Osun Kaduna, Enugu, Lagos, and recently Kano, with the
plan of extending to other states of the federation soon. Mr. Lai Muhammed, the
Minister of Information and Culture at the launch of Lagos digital switchover said
that after Kano, the states that will witness the next digital transition will be Rivers,
Yobe, Gombe, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Kastina, Anambra and
Delta in that order. This was said to have been done in stages because the process is
expensive.
Another remarkable achievement towards the digital switch-over is the
62 NASARAWA JOURNAL OF MULTIMEDIA AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES Vol. 4 No.2

installation of the ultra-modern digital set-top-box manufacturing plant owned by

the Gospell Digital Technology located at Calabar (Adepetun, 2021). Presently,
there are 13 STB manufacturers in Nigeria. This has ensured that through Public-
Private Partnership (PPP) the STBs are produced at home. In any case, the
production in Nigeria has further enhanced both employment and technical
competence.
Before the government's intervention towards digitising broadcasting in
Nigeria, some other milestones have been recorded by the Nigerian media Such
stations include the introduction of digital content such as webcasts into their
respective news and programs. The likes of Brila 88.9 FM, Cool FM (both
privately owned), government-owned Radio Nigeria Ibadan, and Eko FM,
represent the four first stations to have embraced digital broadcasting. The
entrance of cable and satellite pay-tv stations such as HiTV, Multichoice (DSTV
and GoTV), StarTimes, and recently, TStv has intensified the efforts of Nigerian
media stations towards digitisation. For instance, some local stations such as AIT,
BCOS, Channels, Galaxy TV, NTA, and Silverbird are accessible on most
Nigerian cable TV.
Similarly, telecommunication operators and internet service providers such as
Globalcom and Airtel have initiated a project to introduce online TV through
smartphones and other electronic devices. The platforms offer news, sports,
movies, music, cartoon, and other content to suit a diverse Nigerian audience.

Conclusion and Recommendations

There are several advantages to switching from analogue to digital. It has been
proven that digital television provides clearer pictures and sounds. It allows for
multiple channel reception. Furthermore, the signals are less susceptible to
distortion. It creates new platforms for content providers to showcase their work.
The broadcast audience will also be provided with numerous channels to choose
from. The advantages are countless. However, the digitisation process is faced
with some challenges such as inadequate funding, scarcity of qualified manpower,
inadequate power supply, poverty, and inadequate digital equipment. One other
area in need of serious adjustments is the effective sensitisation of the audiences on
the different stages and the process of digitization. There is still a great lack of
awareness of the digitisation process among audiences. This of course creates a
situation whereby the process of digitisation is retarded and handicapped by
people (especially audiences from the grass root/rural areas), who are completely
ignorant of the process and implications of the digitisation scheme for instance the
need to possess a set-up box to effectively receive a digital signal.
Despite the extraordinary efforts of both the government and other actors in
Nigeria's digitisation project, much remains to be done. In practice, access to
digital broadcasting platforms is still mostly restricted to pay-tv networks such as
GoTV, StarTimes and the Nigerian free-to-air digital broadcasting (Free TV) has
not fully been implemented. Nonetheless, when compared to other developing
2022 Analogue to Digital Broadcast Switchover 63
countries, especially in Africa, Nigeria cannot be regarded to be falling behind. As
a result, if the principles are strictly implemented; if governments come to the help
of the parties concerned through funding and subsidies, the path to digitisation will
be feasible.
Based on the conclusion, this study hereby recommends the following:
1. Nigeria's federal and state governments should accept to make significant
financial sacrifices to fully support the process by actively investing
additional financial resources to the acquisition of essential equipment to
obtain technical assistance.
2. The government needs to be more proactive about appropriate policies and
regulations that need to be put in place for a successful digital switch-over so
that the value of the dividend does not diminish.
3. Governments should also avoid focusing on generating large sums of money
from the digital transition. This would have a detrimental influence on
national development by raising the pricing of these services and limiting the
potential advantages they may provide. The government should subsidise the
set-top boxes for people to afford.
4. Relevant training and workshopon the use and control of digital technology
should be developed and implemented as measures to strengthen the
capability of the country's media workforces. This will allow for the presence
of competent personnel to run the digital equipment.
5. Creating awareness would take the broadcast transition process a step further.
The audience needs awareness efforts to lessen the illegibility of information
about digitisation. They should be educated on the fundamentals of the whole
process so that they may become collaborators rather than observers.
Sensitisation of government policymakers, stakeholders, and officials will
also help the process.
6. The Nigerian government should find a long-term solution to the electricity
crisis because digitisation and power outages are incompatible. This will
allow broadcast stations to make the best use of their digital equipment while
transmitting digital material to their audiences.
7. There ought to be suitable infrastructural digital broadcasting standards that
would ensure compatibility on both national and international levels.
8. The NBC and other relevant authorities in the communication industry would
have to ensure stability and create an enabling environment for existing and
prospective investors in the market segment.
9. Finally, the government and the agencies concerned should hasten the digital
coverage and roll out the process of the set-top-boxes (Free TV) to other
64 NASARAWA JOURNAL OF MULTIMEDIA AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES Vol. 4 No.2

regions in the country to ensure complete national analogue-digital

switchover.

All these will enable Nigeria to meet up with other countries that have embraced
the switchover and at the same time, exclude Nigeria from being a “dumping
ground” for outdated technologies.

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