With the newly proposed amendment to Nigeria’s broadcast law, the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, is making exclusivity illegal, compelling sub-licensing of content and regulating price.
They are effectively turning private enterprise into state property.
Interference distorts markets. If implemented, this code will 100% destroy PayTV in Nigeria.
Under these proposed terms, it makes zero sense for IrokoTV, ROK, Netflix, Africa Magic, FilmHouse Cinema, Silverbird, Scene One, or any other platform or independent production house to invest in local content.
Zero sense.
This our champagne socialism and zero input style of policy making is the reason Nigeria is stunted in everything. I invest billions of Naira in content, then I am compelled to share with everyone else as NBC sets the price. Why?
Dark forces or incompetence is at play here. Ridiculous!
The new law says, for ‘national emergencies’, 20% of broadcast hours should be dedicated to The Government. Nationalization in everything but name.
So if Tyson Fury Vs Anthony Joshua fight is to be shown in Nigeria, equivalent of 30% of the license costs need to be invested in an equivalent local sport?
Who will pay for that? Maybe ABC vs XYZ works for some but who will pay for it?
Arise o compatriots, Nigeria call obey. This is for you Nigeria and Nigerians. This is the patriotism you voted for. Anything you ‘enjoy’ you just now pay more for it. You think 15% inflation is high. Wait and see o.
Soon CNN will leave its daily programming to show “Arrival of Orji Kalu”, and APC or PDP conventions.
Essentially, be ready for NTA everywhere. This is a highest priority for NBC. HIGHEST.
By Jason Njokwu
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
