TheCable

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has pledged to give TStv Africa the necessary support as it prepares to begin operations on October 1.

The digital satellite TV service told Armstrong Idachaba, NBC acting director-general, on Monday that it will kick off operations with the pay per view model.

NAN reports that TStv’s management paid a courtesy visit to Idachaba in his office on Monday.

“We promise on our side that we will continue to support you,” Idachaba was quoted to have said.

“At this time, I think that the major issue confronting the PayTv sector is the area of giving Nigerians option of deregulating purchasing capacity in terms of pay as you go concept.

“We believe this will give you the visibility if you remain committed to the idea. We welcome that option and wish that it serves as a stimulant and as a progressive index for other pay-TV operators to adopt.

“Some of them have come up with a lot of excuses for why pay-per-view is difficult and why it is not doable. We want you to be the galvaniser to prove the naysayers wrong that this is doable in the interest of Nigerians.

“Once you begin and you make a success of it through increased subscription base, we are sure that others will be drawn into it as it happened in the telecommunication sector.

“We are aware that it has been very challenging for you. All over the world dominant players will always want to remain in a dominant position.”

Idachaba said the NBC is committed to promoting local participation in the nation’s broadcasting industry, especially in the pay-TV sector, to create jobs and provide diversity for Nigerians.

The acting DG also admonished the firm to refrain from any activity that would give Nigeria a bad name.

“If you are acquiring rights, you must make sure that your rights are legitimately acquired. You must make sure you follow the rules of engagement strictly, study the broadcasting code strictly to have a robust future ahead of you,” he advised.

In his remarks, Echefu Bright, TStv managing director, said they visited the NBC management to seek its support for a peaceful rollout and to officially present samples of its decoders to the commission.

He said the TStv has broadcasting rights to air the La Liga, FA Cup and Euro Cup.