Broadcasting
Amuta: Talent got Him this Far
As early as his secondary school days, James Amuta caught the bug when he started experimenting commercially with his writing while at the Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha.
It is the beginning of what has become an enigmatic story of this young and multi talented writer of the 21st century.
At DMGS, he churned out stage plays for the drama society and also wrote his first movie script "Murder was the Case", a parody of Snoop Dogg’s song by the same title and an adaptation of one of John Grisham’s bestseller, "The Firm"-though it never made it to screen in that title.
The experience opened the eyes of the then ambition 13 year old to the seamless possibilities his talent for writing offered.
While enrolled as a freshman at the university, James had become a copious contributor for the BBC African Performance radio drama competition, experimenting with a highly technical genre of literature.
However in 2001, James was recognized internationally a force to be reckoned with when he was shortlisted as a finalist (insert link here) at the Voicesnet International Poetry Anthology Competition; semi-finalist at The International Poetry Society poetry competition.
Between 2001 and 2004, James was published in more than a dozen international poetry anthologies, journal, magazines, etc, including "Letters from the Soul" published in 2001 by The International Poetry Society; "Voicesnet International Poetry Anthology" published in the United States in 2001; Sentinel Magazine, UK, Longford Literary Journal, Dublin Ireland, Dreamers Reality, United states and so on.
After his sojourn with international acclaim, James began to look homewards in order to build a solid fan base in Nigeria, with the publication of his poetry anthology in 2007, he got more than the attention of poetry lovers: he was invited by Storm Vision and Bank PHB (the producers and sponsors respectively, of The Apprentice Africa) to lend his literary prowess to the successful debut of the first season of The Apprentice Africa website, and job he did while also doubling as co-publicity coordinator for the hit Reality TV show.
James has been featured at least a dozen times on the Longford Literary Project, in Dublin Ireland
He currently freelances for Tour Nigeria Magazine, a publication of the Nigerian Tourism Ministry, while working on his semi-autobiographical novel on schizophrenia.
His candid writing style has made him one of the most sought after freelance writers
In the same light, James was commissioned by the upper echelon of the aviation industry to create "The Aviator", by March 2008, he co-created (with Paris Sanusi- wife of the MD/C.E.O of Nigerian Aerospace Management Authority NAMA) a TV series considered by aviation practitioners as a multi-million Naira hit.
James Amuta has actively contributed to many blogs, and web journals on the internet.
James Amuta does a lot of corporate communications management for Entertainment stars in Nigeria.
He majored in English Language and Literary Studies at Imo State University
His talent has been commended by the likes of Biodun Shobanjo, chief executive officer of The Apprentice Africa, chairman of Troyka Holdings and co-founder of Insight Grey, Obi Asika, chief executive officer, Storm Vision Ltd, Jika Attoh, chief executive officer, Cosmo fm, Christy Essien Igbokwe, mfr, Jude Dibia, author of "Walking with Shadows", El Nukoya, author of "Nine Lives" and Aziza Uko, head of corporate communications, Bank PHB.
National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has said that Nigerians will no longer pay annual Digital Access Fees under the renewed Digital Switch Over (DSO) project.
Charles Ebuebu, director-general, NBC, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja,
Ebuebu said viewers only need to purchase an approved decoder and satellite dish which cost below N20,000 to enjoy free television permanently.
“Previously, users paid an annual digital access fee of about N1,500, described as an administrative charge.
“The new system removes that annual fee. It provides free access to free-to-air television channels without any payment.
“Premium channels will be introduced later. Viewers who want those additional channels will be able to access them through paid services.
“Nigerian content on free-to-air channels remains free to watch. Unlike Pay TV, this platform does not require monthly subscriptions for its basic service,” he said
Ebuebu said approved decoders for the FreeTV will cost less than N20,000 and authorised sales outlets will soon be announced.
He urged Nigerians to wait for official information on approved dealers for the DSO decoders, warning that unauthorised sellers are exploiting growing public demand.
He reiterated that people only need a free-to-air decoder, along with a satellite dish instead of the old antenna system to receive the DSO signal.
“Once the equipment is installed, viewers can access all available channels across the country without paying any subscription fees,” he stressed
The DG dismissed claims by some retailers that there are different categories of decoders sold at varying prices, stressing that such sellers are not authorised by the commission.
According to him, the NBC will soon publish the list of approved dealers, official prices, and locations where genuine decoder boxes and accessories can be purchased.
The NBC boss said the DSO project is designed not only to improve television broadcasting but also to stimulate economic growth by creating jobs, attracting investment, and opening up opportunities for businesses that support the broadcasting industry.
Ebuebu noted that content producers and broadcasters stand to benefit significantly from the nationwide reach of the DSO platform.
Unlike the previous system, where many stations had limited regional audiences, he said the new platform will make their channels available to viewers across Nigeria.
He added that the introduction of audience measurement technology will provide scientific and reliable data on television viewership.
Ebuebu added that audience measurement technology will give advertisers greater confidence in placing adverts and enable broadcasters to demonstrate the true size and reach of their audiences nationwide.
Uchenna Mbunabo, Nigerian filmmaker, has raised concerns over the alleged unauthorised broadcast of Nollywood films by some Ghanaian television stations, calling on Ghana’s National Film Authority (NFA) to strengthen the enforcement of copyright laws.
Uchenna Mbunabo, Nigerian filmmaker
Mbunabo made the remarks during a conversation with James Gardiner, deputy CEO of the National Film Authority (NFA) of Ghana.
He questioned whether it was permissible for television stations in Ghana to download Nigerian movies from YouTube and air them without obtaining permission from the producers.
“I noticed that Ghanaian TV stations, the way they are stealing our films and showing them for free with impunity. Is it legalised in your country for TV stations to go on YouTube, download people’s sweat and show it for free?”
According to Mbunabo, some Ghanaian television stations have been downloading newly released Nollywood films from YouTube and broadcasting them without authorisation, depriving producers of revenue generated through the platform.
He also stated that he had not witnessed Nigerian television stations engaging in similar practices and questioned what measures Ghana was taking to protect filmmakers’ intellectual property.
Responding to the concerns, Gardiner acknowledged that the issue exists and said the National Film Authority had begun engaging relevant stakeholders to address it.
He disclosed that the NFA has held discussions with the Ministry of Communications, the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the National Media Commission (NMC) on improving copyright enforcement.
Gardiner explained that while Ghana has copyright laws, enforcement remains challenging because many television stations now operate digitally and may not have physical offices within the country.
“There are copyright laws, but they are not effective because a lot of the TV stations don’t have offices. Most of them are now digital, so they operate from anywhere. They can even have a Ghanaian TV station but be operating from Austria simply because it is digital.”
He added that authorities are considering a new licensing framework that would require broadcasters to undergo a fresh licensing process to improve monitoring and enforcement.
According to Gardiner, television stations found guilty of illegally broadcasting copyrighted content would be required to compensate affected producers through fines.
He added that repeat offenders could face suspension of their broadcasting licences, while a third violation could result in the revocation of their licences.
Although he did not provide a specific timeline, Gardiner said the reforms were already underway and expressed hope that significant progress would be seen next year.
Mbunabo welcomed the proposed measures but urged the National Film Authority to expedite the process, stating that unauthorised broadcasts continue to affect filmmakers’ ability to recover production costs through legitimate distribution channels such as YouTube.
He also stressed that his comments were not directed at Ghana’s film industry, noting that he has worked with several Ghanaian actors over the years and supports collaborations between Nollywood and Ghallywood.
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