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MultiChoice in Trouble as FG Issues Quit Notice to DSTv, Others

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The Federal Government may have notified the management of MultiChoice DSTV/GOTV that their operations, in Nigeria, will come to an end in 2019 as their license expires June next year.

 

According to a letter to that effect by the National Broadcasting Corporation(NBC), the license issued to them in 2014 by NBC will not be renewed because it was not in line with Digital Switch Over (DSO) White Paper.

 

Modibo Ishaq Kawu, director general, National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), recently disclosed that all paid DTT operators including DSTV, GOTV and Star Times will be shut down by June 2019 unless they begin discussions with the two signal distributors, ITS and Pinnacle.

Elsewhere, the broadcast giant was also fined $14 million in South Africa for price fixing in Nigeria with the aid of Emeka Mbah, former NBC director general.

 

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Kawu said that in preparation for full implementation of switch over from analogue to digital signals, all operators in the sector including signal distributors, content aggregator, Set top Box manufacturers ought to be on the same page now, to help in delivering a seamless Digital Switch Over (DSO).

The NBC boss also said in line with a Federal Government White paper, Multichoice who are the owners of DSTV and GOTV as well as Star Times owned by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) will no longer be able to operate as both signal distributor and content provider.

 

He said: “NBC has also informed the pay DTT operators, GOTV and NTA/STAR TIMES, to begin discussions with the two signal distributors, ITS and Pinnacle Communications.

 

“This is because, in line with the Government White Paper on the Transition from Analogue to Digital Broadcasting, after June 2019, these pay DTT operators would no longer be licenced to operate as both content providers and signal distributors”.

 

Kawu further explained that DSO has been implemented in two mores states of Kaduna and Kwara at the end of 2017, bringing the number of states on DSO to four with FCT and Plateau topping the list.

 

He informed that NBC has already scheduled Monday, February 12, 2018 to switch on Enugu Atate while February 23 has been affirmed for Osun State just as Delta and Gombe states will be the next.

 

Kawu, who gave a schedule of the planned DSO, stated that the next phase will include one state from each of the six geo-political regions, during this year, 2018.

 

“We envisage that by the end of the third quarter of 2018, we would have switched on in 12 states around Nigeria,” he assured.

 

The NBC boss also commended stakeholders in the implementation process for their resolve to work together.

 

He said that at a retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, players in the sector were made to appreciate each others responsibility and a clear role was carved out for each player to guarantee a seamless transition in the DSO eco-system.

 

“We have also consciously delineated revenue streams for all players, an issue which was the basis for some of the rancour that existed before. The broadcasters, signal distributors, content aggregator, Set top Box manufacturers are all on the same page now, to help strengthen the work of delivering the DSO.

 

“Similarly, we are going to also begin a phased Analogue Switch Off (ASO), in Plateau State and the FCT, by the end of the First Quarter of 2018. “And as part of acceleration of the work, we have commenced the digital mapping of Nigeria. It is a process that would help to give clarity to the entire DSO process,” he added.

 

Kawu also stated that NBC has submitted a long list of new radio and television stations to President Muhammadu Buhari for presidential assent.

 

He said, “The President has always been encouraging the NBC to open up accesses for Nigerians to be able to register newer radio and television stations, because of his belief that they help to deepen democratic discourse, while also helping to create new jobs through the broadcasting value chain.”

 

He urged broadcasters to use their medium to promote democratic ethos and discourage hate speeches as election year approaches and to be moderate in their reportage of sensitive national issues.

 

“Broadcasters are reminded that they have a duty to respect all extant laws related to the reportage and coverage of the electoral process. Don’t broadcast campaigns when the period for commencement of campaigns have not commenced.

 

In South Africa, MultiChoice’s DStv has been fined $14 million for price fixing after being found guilty by South Africa’s Competition Commission to have contravened the country’s Competition Act in relation to “price fixing and fixing of trading conditions”.

 

The company whose largest market is in Nigeria where it has been in operation for about 22 years has been in the news for ripping Nigerians off with its inflexible subscription conditions and unfriendly quality of service (QoS) which could be attributed to its monopolistic status in the Nigerian market.

 

The House of Representatives had in April, 2017 instructed its Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values to investigate Multichoice Nigeria’s ‘exorbitant charges’ for its DStv and GOtv packages.

 


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Meet ADU Candidates 2024: ITREALMS collaborates with Awba-Ofemili Chatroom

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The international multiple award-winning, ITREALMS Media group, is collaborating with Awba-Ofemili ChatRoom to organise a week-long ‘Meet ADU Candidates 2024’ on social media for the forthcoming Awba-Ofemili Development Union (ADU) general elections aspirants.

At press time, Awba-Ofemili ChatRoom boosts of hundreds of indigenous membership from the rice producing community in Awka-North of Anambra State, both locally and in diaspora, whereas ITREALMS is a media entity with clouts in the usage of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to entrench digitalSENSE in the society.

Speaking on this collaboration, the Editor-in-chief of ITREALMS Media and publishers of ITREALMS Online, Sir Remmy Nweke, said the initiative is to afford all indigenes of Awba-Ofemili the opportunity to meet with some key aspirants, who aspire to any elective positions during the 2024 general elections, especially from the secretariat to presidency.

The weeklong ‘Meet ADU Candidates 2024,’ Nweke pointed out, would afford aspirants to reach ndi Awba-Ofemili in one room both home and abroad, share their manifesto to over 200 members of the group.

Additionally, he said aspirants would be able to take constructive feedback to enable them gauge the expectations of ndi Awba-Ofemili.

Also, he said that the session would be hosted in collaboration with the leadership of Awba-Ofemili ChatRoom on WhatsApp from Monday 25th through Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Nweke, who would be moderating the session, said it offers aspirants the possibilities of leveraging social media to engage and market themselves to teeming youths and every eligible adult in the town and diaspora for the forthcoming ADU general elections slated for Monday, April 1, 2024 at Awba-Ofemili Civic Center.

ITREALMS Media group www.itrealms.com.ng pioneered this in 2021 as part of our contribution in endearing peace and democratic education, among other tenets to help the good people of Awba-Ofemili make informed decision and have a sense of direction in building Awba-Ofemili we want,

Equally speaking, the chief administrator of Awba-Ofemili ChatRoom, Mr. Fred Nweke said that the ‘Meet ADU Candidates 2024’ sessions are expected to enable participants set agenda and interact with aspirants in various offices not limited to Secretary-General, Vice President-General and President General for this year.

He urged every indigene of Awba-Ofemili to use the medium to interface with aspirants and provide relevant feedback they could use after their elections.

Recall that in year 2021, ITREALMS Media group, pioneered ‘Meet ADU Candidates’ as part of its contribution in deepening peace and democratic education, among other tenets to help the good people of Awba-Ofemili make informed decision and have a sense of direction in building Awba-Ofemili they want.


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Ghanaian Musician, Stonebwoy, Stars on Glo-sponsored African Voices Playmakers

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This week’s edition of the Glo-sponsored African Voices Playmakers, a magazine program of Cable News Network (CNN) is featuring the unique talent of Ghanaian Afropop and reggae star, Stonebwoy.

In an honest interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo, the 36-year-old, whose real  name is Livingstone Etse Satekla, claims to be the “King of Afro-dancehall.” He serves as the CEO of the Accra, Ghana-based musical ensemble Burniton. His commitment to bringing the Black diaspora together via his musical genre serves to further his fame.

Stonebwoy is no stranger to awards. In 2015, he won the Best International Act: Africa title at the BET Awards and the Artist of the Year title at the Ghana Music Awards, among other honors and recognitions. In addition, he received two Billboard plaques and Boomplay’s Golden Club plaque for garnering a staggering 100 million streams on the site.

He was included by YCEO and Avance media in their list of the 2019 50 (fifty) young CEOs. The list was established in 2018 to recognize outstanding young people who are dedicated to offering answers to some of Ghana’s issues. “Happy Death Day” and “My Name Is Ramadan” are two high-profile films in which Stonebwoy has acted.

African Voices Playmakers will be shown on DSTV Channel 401 on Saturday at 7.30 a.m. with repeat broadcast the same day at 11 a.m. Further rebroadcasts will be on Sunday 3.30 a.m., 6.00 p.m. and on Monday at 3.00 a.m. The edition will be repeated next week Saturday at 7.30 a.m., 11 a.m., on Sunday at 4.30 a.m., 7.00 p.m. and on Monday at 4.00 a.m.

 


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Safeguarding the Source: World Water Day and the Crucial Role of Home Water Filters

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As we commemorate World Water Day, the global focus on the significance of fresh water highlights the urgent water challenges confronting our planet. With escalating scarcity and pollution endangering our water sources, it’s time for individuals to step up, taking center stage in addressing this issue.

The spotlight now illuminates the transformative potential of home water filters, which not only helps reduce the usage of single use plastic water bottles but also leads to a more sustainable lifestyle Access to clean, safe water is not just a privilege; it’s a fundamental human right.

In the face of mounting global water crises, home water filters emerge as a beacon of hope, offering a tangible solution to ensure the purity of our most precious resource.

The World Health Organization warns of the grave health risks posed by contaminated water sources, underscoring the urgency of securing a safe water supply. Investing in home water filters isn’t just about personal health; it’s a collective commitment to safeguarding public health and well-being on a global scale.

QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness focused direct selling company, and staunch advocate of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). With a firm dedication to sustainability, QNET has pioneered a range of products that not only meet ethical manufacturing standards but also leave a positive impact on the planet.

In the quest for clean water, home water filters emerge as unsung heroes, diligently working to strip away impurities and contaminants, delivering a steady flow of clean, safe drinking water directly to your home.

Trevor Kuna, Chief Transformation & Reputation Officer at QNET, emphasizes the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and the UNSDG, stating, “Home water filters offer a sustainable and eco-friendly solution, reducing our reliance on single-use plastics and promoting responsible water consumption.”

Introducing QNET’s HomePure range, featuring the revolutionary HomePure Viva and HomePure Nova. These state-of-the-art home water filters boast a cutting-edge 9-stage water purification system, effectively eliminating an astounding 99.99% of bacteria and viruses, ensuring water that’s not just safe, but pristine.

Kuna also stated that “Investing in home water filters isn’t merely a personal choice; it’s a powerful statement in support of global water conservation efforts.

By embracing sustainable water practices at the grassroots level, we can ease the burden on our planet’s water resources.

World Water Day serves as a poignant reminder that every decision we make, including the choice to install a water filter, ripples outward, shaping the health of our planet”.

As we mark World Water Day, let’s take a moment to contemplate the indispensable role water plays in our lives and the weighty responsibility we shoulder in preserving this invaluable resource.

By adopting home water filters, we take proactive steps to safeguard the health of our families and pave the way for a future where clean water flows freely for all generations.

Together, as conscientious custodians of our planet, we can rewrite the narrative of the global water crisis, forging a path toward a sustainable, healthier world for all.


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