DEDICATION

This work is dedicated to JEHOVAH, the only true God for his divine guidance.

CERTIFICATION

This research project has been supervised and approved as having satisfied the conditions

for the award of Master of Arts in mass communication department vf to the best of my

knowledge been submitted in part or full for other postgraduate studies of this or other

university.

--------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- Anorue, L. I. Dr. C. S. Akpan Supervisor HOD mass communication

------------------------------------------------------------

External Examiner

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Praise JAH for His loving-kindness and seeing me through this programme.

Special thanks to loyal and noble minded Mr. Luke I. Anorue, my supervisor and Dr. C.

S. Akpan, the distinguished technocrat and to all my lecturers: Mr. Ekwueme, Ms Edith

U. Ohaja and host of others (both present and past, including students and staff of the

university of Nigeria).

My profound gratitude goes to Prof. Abiodun Salawu of the department of mass

communication, university of Fort Hare, Eastern Cape South Africa, and Dr. Wilson

Ozuem of the American International University London. Thank you for your

contributions (which include going through the manuscript, commenting and making all

relevant materials and books available for this work) so as to ensure successful

completion of this work.

I also want to extend my hand of appreciation to Prof. G. C. Onunkwo and Mr. Fidelis

Okoro, for contributing immensely in this work. I will also use this avenue to say thanks

to my wonderful brothers and friends, Mr. James Ejike Anigbata and Okoloji Bright

Echozona of brighting Graphics Ltd. Lagos. Mr.Okechukwu Nmerem is one of these

great friends. You have all been so wonderful and may God richly reward and remember

you.

I owe my appreciation to Engr. Musa Kamarudeen (Chief Engineer, National

Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Abuja) and Mr.Quasim Akinreti of the Voice of

Nigeria, Lagos. You are all wonderful people.

Finally, my deep regards goes to Dr. Okore Ikeokwu Kalu, Dr. (Mrs.) P.N. Okoroafor

and Mrs. Florence Okore. May the good Lord reward your labour of love in my life.

Amen.

Okore, Moses Kalu Department of Mass Communiction, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. 2010.

ABSTRACT

Nigeria plans to switch from analogue to digital broadcasting by June 17, 2011,in response to the drive of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This innovation is being championed by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). Despite the uncountable advantages of digitization in terrestrial broadcasting, Nigeria still seems to be encountering some challenges in terms of application. This research was designed to ascertain the level of preparedness of the government and awareness of her citizens on the application of digital technology in Nigeria terrestrial broadcasting. It also addresses questions like: what is the measure adopted by the Nigerian government to subsidize the cost of digital technology as well as ensure its adoption in the national policy and plans? Power networking society theory was employed in interpreting and analyzing the research problem. This research employed survey method. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select FRCN Training School, Ikeja Lagos with a sample size of 300 drawn from the population of 300, who constituted the staff and students of the school. Questionnaire was used as data collection instrument. Findings among other things revealed that the level of public sensitization on the application of digital technology in Nigerian terrestrial broadcasting is simply not enough.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page … … … … … i Dedication … … … … … ii Certification … … … … … iii Acknowledgement … … … … … iv Abstract … … … … … v Table of Content … … … … … vi CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background … … … … 1 1.2 Statement of the problem ... ... … … 7 1.3 Objectives of the Study … … … … … 7 1.4 Significant of the study … … … … … 8 1.5 Research Questions … … … … 8 1.6 Limitations … … …. … 9 1.7 Theoretical frame work … … … … 10 1.8 Definition of terms … … … … 12 CHAPTER TWO – LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 Digital Technology Application … … … 13 2.1 evolution of Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting in Nigeria … 14 2.1.1 Transition from Analogue to Digital Broadcasting in Africa: The Nigerian

Experience … … … … 15 2.1.2 Audience Perspective … … … 18 2.2 National Approaches to Digital Application: The European Experience 19 2.2.3 EU Initiatives in Digital Application … … 22 2.2.4 Application of Digital Technology: The German Experience … 24 2.2.5 Digital Application: The British Experience … … 26 2.2.6 Digital Application: The French Experience … … 28 2.2.7 Digital Application: The Italian Experience … … 29 2.2.8 Digital Application in America: The United State Experience … 29 2.2.9 Analytical Perspective on Digital Application Across American and Europe 30 2.9 The Challenges of Digital Technology Application across the Globe: Collapses of

DTV Consortia and ITV Digital And Quiero TV … 33 2.9.1 The Free-To-Air Model-The Cases of Freeview and Freesat … 35 2.9.2 Digital Television Adoption Across Europe … … 38

CHAPTER THREE – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1 Research design … … … … … 42 3.2 Population of study … … … 42 3.3 Sampling size … … … 43 3.4 Sampling techniques … … … … 43 3.5 Instruments for data collection … … … .. … 44 3.6 Methods of questionnaire administration … … … 44 3.7 Method of data presentation and analysis … … … 44 CHAPTER FOUR - PRESENTATION AND DATA ANALYSIS 4.1 Presentation and data analysis … … … 45 4.1.1 Table 1: Sex distribution of the respondents … … … 45 4.1.2 Table 2: Questionnaire administration procedure … … 46 4.1.3 Table 3: Occupation distribution table … … … 47 4.1.4 Table 4: Educational background … … … 48 4.1.5 Table 5: Age distribution table … … … 49 4.2 Psychographic Data (Research Questions) … … … 51 4.7 Table 6: Audience members awareness or knowledge level about digital technology … … … … … … … … 51 CHAPTER FIVE – CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 Conclusions … … … 63 5.2 Recommendations … … … 64 References Appendix

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Digital technology application in modern broadcasting has transformed and

revolutionized the traditional terrestrial broadcasting into a positive innovative concept of

global networking society often referred to as digitization technology convergence.

Contextual emphasis on technological innovation which has a leapfrog effect on

broadcasting has yielded to change. This change has tremendously revolutionized

broadcasting from the monolithic model (analogue) to an interactive Omni-directional

model (digital) in line with modern global trends.

Communication media are hence, on the move, constantly evolving and changing

the world we live in. It is no longer enough to learn about the conventional (print, radio,

television and film) mass media as computers and telecommunications are converging to

create exciting new media forms (Adamu,2009:1). The arrival of digital broadcasting has

brought outstanding exciting changes to mass communication. Digital technologies are

shifting the indispensable principles of broadcasting as its application in Nigeria has

brought tremendous improvements in her terrestrial broadcasting. Interactivity is adding

important new dimensions to broadcast services. Listeners now have easier right of entry

to wider range of content through various transmission media. They are now able to opt

for the services they want at a time expedient to them and to benefit from superior two

way communication. Little wonder Akpan (2009:9) affirms that “we are living in a digital

revolution era.” This is made more lucid by Castells (2009:55a) who wrote that with the

diffusion of the Internet, a new form of interactive communication has emerged,

characterized by the capacity of sending messages to many irrespective of their place of

origin, in real time or chosen time, and with the possibility of using point-to-point

communication, narrow casting or broadcasting depending on the purpose and

characteristics of the intended communication practice.

In this regard, digital technology is seen through the dimension of what Cowhey

and Aronson characterize as “the inflection” or what some time ago, Rice, et al cited in

Castells (2009:3) identified as the emergence of new media through the interaction of

technological change and communication. The convergence of media has been made

possible by digital technologies which have transformed sending and receiving of

messages as many rapid growing technological advancement and innovations have cut

across all strata of our private, public and national life. Technology has continued to

affect the way we do things. For instance, broadcast journalism has gone through various

transformations from the ancient to modern times. The advent of information and

communication technologies (ICTs) has indeed led to technological revolution across the

globe and it has continued to change the global, social and economic milieus of countries

making use of these technologies thereby reinforcing the reality of the globalization

concept.

Globalization is a process of interaction and integration among the people,

companies as well as government of different nations. This process is driven by

international trade and investment as well as information and communication

technology”(Nwakerendu,2009:5). The dynamics of broadcasting has contributed

immensely towards the reunification of our society, recognizing the interest of the

various segments in our society. For instance, Nigeria which is composed of different

tribes, cultures, beliefs and religions, with the adoption of digital broadcasting

technology, the various needs of the groups could be accommodated. The National

Broadcasting Commission recognizes this digitization, the conversion of the broadcast

and communication systems from analogue to digital as an important global movement

driven by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) that will revolutionize

broadcasting as we know it. Digitization both improve the quality of reception and ensure

more efficient use of the spectrum, which is scarce and finite natural resource belonging

to all Nigerian’s and held in trust by licensees.

The digitization of analogue broadcasting signal is one of the most significant

changes in broadcast environment today. There has been a clear prospect internationally

for some years that existing analogue television and radio be replaced by digital

transmission. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) set a deadline for the

full transition to digital broadcast (VHF) for 2015 and (UHF) for 2020. Nigeria is a

signatory to this agreement. As a result of the presidential approval in December 2007 for

digital terrestrial broadcasting, Nigeria has joined the global train on transition to

digitization. This undoubtedly has placed some burden on the mass media, educational

institution and government through its regulatory agencies in sensitizing and educating

Nigerians on the implications of the new technology.

The scheme for Nigerian transition from analogue to digital broadcasting started in

2004 when the country attended the ITU conference in Senegal and another in Geneva in

2006. At both conferences, it was collectively agreed that by 2015, all VHF channels

should have gone digital while UHF transition was placed for 2020. Nigeria however,

adjusted theirs to 2012. The endorsement for digitization of broadcasting was

immediately followed with the inauguration of Presidential Advisory Committee on

digitization on Monday 13th October 2008 in Abuja. At the inauguration of the committee

in Abuja, the president, Umaru Yar’Adua represented by the then minister of information

and communications Mr. John Ogar Odey said digitization would lead to efficient use of

the spectrum as well as increase the audio and video quality of broadcast contents. He

reiterated the government’s doggedness not to be left at the rear in the digital revolution

(Dunu and Ukwueze, 2009:3). As a result, the application of digital technology in

terrestrial broadcasting has continued to generate tremendous prospects and challenges in

Nigeria. The benefits and challenges of digitization have continued to trigger reactions

among media professionals and stakeholders. In Nigeria for instance, the adoption of high

definition radio (HDR) which is favoured in the United States, the digital audio

broadcasting (DAB) favoured by the Europe and the digital audio Mondia (DAM)

favoured by Asia continues to generate argument in favor or against which of these

technologies will best suit Nigeria. According to Oduola (2010:10)

HD radio will favor Nigeria, this is because consumers wouldn’t have to dispose of their analogue radio set or remove the antennas. All they need to do is purchase a set-top-box (STB). In the broadcast station, they will need a digital compliance exciter. This is a mini-transmitter which receives the program signal from the station en route to the transmitter where the modulation takes place and amplified to where radio frequency is generated. The exciter can transmit signal on its own only that the reach will be limited. Therefore, it needs a real amplification to get larger reception end.

Nevertheless, the National Broadcasting Commission in Consultations with Stakeholders

in the industry set a deadline for Nigeria at December 31st 2012 for switch-on with a

provisional timetable and has embarked on a nationwide enlightenment campaign, and

committees have been constituted to take care of the project.

This goes in accordance with Regester and Larkin (2008:183) that it is imperative

to tell your own story, to tell it all and to tell it fast. In Nigeria, most people are

comfortable with the use of their analog radios and televisions, so it becomes difficult to

convince them of what digitization is all about. It is pertinent to help them understand the

benefits of digitization. For instance, if our transmission is still in analog and that of

Republic of Benin in digital, there could be interference and this will attract penalty on

the part of Nigeria.

In Africa, we must march through this transition from analogue to digital signal; it

is an opportunity we must get right. This means that procurement of transmitting

equipment, re-training of cameramen, presenters, producers and even more so technicians

are necessary. This is in harmony with Wilson’s assertion that “the digitization of

information and the convergence of one separate industry into a new amalgamation of

production, distribution and consumption activities is made possible by the shift from

analog to digital technologies” as quoted in (Mojaye, Salawu, and Olowun, 2007:176).

Abayomi Bolariwa, the Director General of National Broadcasting Commission thus

gave illustration of what digitization is all about in this way:

Digitization is not only about broadcast equipment; it is about digitization of broadcast signal. Today from the broadcast station to our homes is analog; tomorrow it will be digital. For instance, if you have a modern car and the local mechanic tells you that there is something called brain box, it means that you have all the electronic system in the car being controlled by one source (the brain box) and if you interface it with a computer you can diagnose what is wrong with the car. Again, if you have modern cell phone, you can make calls, check e-mails data, watch videos and that’s a triple play which is digitization at one level, you have microphone and remote controls telling you the level of digitization in your own equipment, and at your homes today you have satellite receivers and they have digital signals coming into your home and you receive them with an interface or converter called decoders to enable you receive the digital signal coming from the satellite station.

In like manner, those in terrestrial broadcasting like NTA will now digitize their

signals in their transmission stations and send to our homes. Viewers will be able to

receive signals if they have a high breed turner receiver called a set-top box as a decoder

which converts the digital transmission to their analog receivers. In this sense, it means

stations now have new digitized transmission equipment; it also means viewers at home

must have a new means of receiving digital transmission. However, it is important to note

that analog is not compatible with digital signal. Before now, we converted from black

and white television to colour; this was because the technology was compatible. If one

has a black and white television and a station is transmitting in colour, he will receive it

in black and white but in this case if a station is transmitting a digital signal and one has

analogue set there is no way he can receive that signal unless there is an interface.

Producers of broadcasting contents have to invest in broadcasting hardware; they have to

imbibe on a new way of doing things both in their camera acquisition, equipment and in

their production and post production. Further, editing machine and films will be digitized

and in a new way different from the way things were done ten years ago.

Digitization is more or less something like an evolution of technology. It is not

like something that started new. The one we are concerned with is the digitization in

terrestrial broadcasting i.e. the UHF and VHF band which is the most popular band

because that is where people watch and tune most without paying for it. Apart from that,

we have several other broadcasting Channels that started much earlier before all these.

Digitization is an evolution of science because telephone service and G.S.M phones are

all products of digitization; computers started from the mainframe to desktop to laptops

and now there is notebooks and palmtops. Everything is becoming miniaturized and

small. The term “Convergence” is often used to describe “the synergies between

technology, media and information that are changing societies worldwide. It is also in

conjunction with journalism and media to help us understand how the Internet and

broadband wireless devices have shifted control from the source to receiver” (Adamu,

2009:3).

Satellites and cables are already digitized; the decoders are used to convert their

digital signals. Put in terrestrial broadcasting, we need a set-top box that will convert their

digital signals so that viewers and listeners can access their content. One advantage of

digitization in broadcasting is the compression of the frequency band spectrum. For

example, the frequency that could carry only one channel will now be able to carry six or

more channels. According to Musa Kamarudeen, the Chief Engineering National

Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Abuja, “South Africa has given only one frequency to

transmit six channels”. Now assuming Nigeria has up to 30 frequencies that will transmit

six channels each, it then means that we are going to have up to 180 channels. Finally,

terrestrial broadcasting eludes the fear of cultural imperialism while the regulation will

still be under the control of the various regulatory bodies like, National Broadcasting

Commission, Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria e.tc.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The impetus of digital technology in terrestrial broadcasting in Nigeria was

enunciated by Nigeria’s involvement in the transition from analogue to digital

broadcasting following the ITU’s conference in Senegal and Geneva in 2004 and 2006

respectively. Since then, there has been growing concern among stakeholders in the

broadcast sector on the preparedness of Nigeria to adopt this new technology. Also, is the

Nigerian broadcast environment adequately prepared for the application of digital

technology in terrestrial broadcasting? Again, how prepared is the Nigerian government

in their policies and plans towards the adoption of this new technology in creating

awareness and sensitizing the citizenry?

Similarly, the application of digital technology depends to a large extent on the

level of manpower to man this new technology. Therefore, adequate training to enhance

capacity building and utilization will be enhanced through skill acquisition and

manpower development. Thus, does Nigeria have enough manpower to operate this new

technology? Further, the cost of new digital technological acquisition is usually high both

on the side of the media- owners (content- providers) and on the side of consumers (the

Nigerian- populace). What steps therefore should be taken to reduce or subsidize the high

cost associated with digital technology? Answers to these challenge leaves one with no

option than to carry out a study of this nature that would examine the place of Nigeria in

the application of digital technology in the broadcast industry.

1.3 Objectives of Study

The objectives of the research shall be as follows:

1. To ascertain the level of people’s awareness of digital technology.

2. To examine the extent of Nigeria’s preparedness for the application of digital

technology.

3. To examine the measures adopted to subsidize the high cost of digital technology

and ensure the adoption of this project in the national policy and plans.

4. To examine the steps taken by the government towards actualizing the June 2012

deadline for digital technology application in Nigeria.

5. To ascertain the level of Nigerians’ perception of digital technology in

contemporary broadcasting.

1.4 Significance of Study

1. Digital technology has opened a world of possibilities for broadcasting. Indeed,

broadcasting only occupies fewer spectrums thus digital technology application

will open a windfall of spectrums. However, this study will address the problems

associated with digital technology application in broadcasting as well as help the

consumers of broadcast contents and producers of those contents to understand the

nitty-gritty and import of this digital divide. It will also recommend possible steps

government should take in order to ensure that the general public as well as media

owners survive the effect of the digitization exercise viz-a-viz adequate

sensitization and awareness, looking at its environmental impact on stakeholders.

Nevertheless, this study will be exhaustive in nature, and would serve as a

whetstone for further research in the field of digital technology application in

Nigeria.

2. This study however is significant to the media owners, practitioners, the

stakeholders as well as consumers of the broadcast content; besides the above facts

we have lucidly elucidated.

1.5 Research Questions

The digital technology application in terrestrial broadcasting is a new concept. In

Nigeria, it is important to imagine the curiosity and interest these might have generated.

Consequently, to buttress and achieve the purpose of this study the following research

questions will aid understanding of this phenomenon:

3. What is the level of people’s awareness about digital technology?

4. How prepared is Nigeria for the application of digital technology?

5. What are the measures adopted by the Nigerian government to subsidize the high

cost of digital technology and ensure the adoption of this project in the national

policy and plans?

6. What are the steps taken by the government towards actualizing the June 2012

deadline for digital technology application in Nigeria?

7. What is people’s perception of digital technology in contemporary broadcasting?

1.6 Limitations

Due to the researcher’s special challenge (visual), the biggest challenges were on

movement and the complexities of data gathering and management. This was especially

in the areas of sourcing material for the project because of the newness of the subject –

Digitization Technology Convergence” and its special areas in “terrestrial broadcasting.”

Getting materials and other relevant published works on the subject matter proved

difficult. Several efforts made via internet, visits to government licensing and regulatory

agencies, libraries etc – were quite challenging. For instance, scheduled visit with the

Honourable Minister of Information. Prof. Dora Akunyili were rebuffed and rescheduled

due to what they referred to as “the minister’s special engagement.” Again visits to the

Directors of other regulatory agencies proved unsuccessful due to bureaucratic bottleneck

proceeding; although special thanks to the Director-General of NBC, Engr. Yomi

Bolariwon and Engr. Musa Kamarudeen chief technical and engineering unit of NBC, as

well as Osita Nweke of the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON).

However, a research of this magnitude goes along with high cost of financial and

material resources which are scarce.

1.7 Theoretical Framework

Explanations and predictions of social phenomenon could be explained by

different mass communication theorists. The concept of digital technology in terrestrial

broadcasting is a modern phenomenon that is tripartite in nature. These consist of:

1. The government and its licensing and regulatory agencies of media of

broadcasting e.g. National Broadcasting Commission, Broadcasting Organization

of Nigeria etc.

2. Producers of mass communication (media) contents e.g. Nigeria Television

Authority, Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCN), Federal Radio

Corporation of Nigeria (F.R.C.N) etc.

3. The consumers of media content e.g. viewers of television programmes, and

listeners of radio programmes e.t.c.

To address these three-dimensional groups that is associated with the application

of digital technology in terrestrial broadcasting calls for a high sense of digital theoretical

concept. It is in view of this that the researcher felt strongly to apply the power

networking society theory. This theory was developed in 2009 by Prof. Manuel Castells

in his work entitled ‘Communication Power’ (Castells, 2009: 8).

Castells opines that “an understanding of the construction of power relationships

through communication in the network society requires the integration of three key

components:

• The structural determinants of social and political power in the global network

society.

• The structural determinants of the process of mass communication under the

organizational, cultural, and technological conditions.

• The cognitive processing of the signals presented by the communication system to

the human mind as it relates to politically relevant social practice” (2009:8).

To understand the theory of power networking society (as in above) in the process

of digital technology application, Castells explanation of network society is noteworthy.

He explains network society as the social structure that characterizes society in the early

Twenty-First Century, a social structure that is constructed around digital networks of

communication. In his furtherance of explicatory analysis on power networking society

he puts it that “the process of formation and exercise of power relationships is decisively

transformed in the rise of global digital networks of communication as the fundamental

symbol-processing system of our time” (2009:4a).

Castells made it clear that the “communication process decisively mediates the

way in which power relationship are constructed and challenged in every domain of

social practice” (Castells,2009:4b). However, it is assumed that the basic form of power

lies in the ability to shape the mind of society (individual elements). If the primary battle

about the definition of the norms and values of society, and the application of these

norms and values in everyday life, goes around the shaping of the mind, communication

(by means of digital technology application) is central to this battle. “This process of

communication operates according to the structure, culture, organization, and

technology of communication in a given society” (Castells, 2009:4c).

Nevertheless, the application of digital technology in terrestrial broadcasting in

Nigeria depends largely on the government and its regulatory agencies. The Nigerian

government through its regulatory agencies could sensitize the minds of individual

media content consumers toward accepting the digitization broadcasting as most

excellent. This goes with Castells statement that “power is more than communication,

and communication is more than power” (2009:3). Management of power relationship

affects mass communication to a large extent, thus, business of the media and politics of

the nation (government) forms the bedrock of the communication that reaches the

general public.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Every research has a conceptual framework which forms the basis of operational

terms of expression used to drive or buttress the points. Some of these expressions are

briefly outlined below:

• Convergence – This term is often used to describe the synergies between

technology, media, and information that are changing societies worldwide.

• Digitization – The term simply means the conversion, storage and preservation of

sound and pictures from analog system into digital form.

• Tangential – Divergent applications in broadcasting.

• Terrestrial – The word is taken from the term “territory.” This means the

transmission of digital broadcasting signals into a terrestrial spectrum of

convergence such as UHF and VHF.

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Digital Technology Application

In recent times, digital technology application process in the Nigerian broadcast

environment is blurring, distorting and erroneously interpreted by many. Sadly,

inadequate in-depth knowledge of the global digitization technology convergence in

terrestrial broadcasting especially its application process in Nigeria has generated serious

reactions and deep concern amongst stakeholders and non- stakeholders in the

communication sector. For instance, up until the end of June 2010, the level of awareness

and benefits accruing from the transition from analogue to digital in terrestrial

broadcasting is still at a snail speed; thereby creating doubt towards the actualization and

success of the digitization process. As such its application in modern times seems a

mirage.

Meanwhile let us have a brief overview of digital formation as this will help us have a

sheer frame of reference. Digital originates from digits which is a conversion of binary

values. According to Roody and Coolen (2005:92) “a binary alphabet has only two

symbols 0 and 1, known as binits derived from binary digits”. Again “ a digital quantity

has a value that is specified as one of two possibilities such as 0 and 1, low or high, true

or false and so on” (Tocci, Widmer and Moss 2008:719).

On the other hand, digitization is not automation which is computer mediated system

in broadcasting. It is not webcasting, narrowcasting, podcasting or multicasting, although

all of these have links with digital technology often referred to as Digitization. “In the

Digital age however, all these pale into insignificance. Audio signals from a barking dog,

metrological signals from a security post, reportorial text from a news agency, stock

indexes from the capital market and even planetary data from space probes are gathered,

stored, processed and retrieved, as well as distributed uniformly in the form of “ones and

zeros” in the digital domain. They remain in this convenient form until humans need to

interact with them” (Adegbola cited in NBC News, 2001:10a). Apparently in furtherance

of his belief in digital technology application in broadcasting, Adegbola buttresses his

conviction by saying that “in a broadcasting environment, such data, representing audio

and video signals can be borne on traditional wireless media via terrestrial transmitters,

satellite broadcast transponders or cable distribution networks for dissemination. This is

Digital Broadcasting” (Adegbola, 2001:10b).

2.1 Evolution of Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting In Nigeria

Digital technology is constantly on the move. Ever evolving and changing, as its

application in modern communication is on the swift increase. Researchers and scholars

have continued to document their findings in order to demystify the perception of the

audience on digital terrestrial broadcasting. Akinreti (2010), the online editor and

researcher with the Voice of Nigeria (VON) observes that the application of digital

technology is the revolutionary strength of modern mass media and broadcasting in

particular. Digital technology convergence in terrestrial broadcasting in Nigeria, as well

as its application is enunciated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The

historical perspective of digital technology application in Nigeria is driven by the

National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

Following the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) conference in Senegal in

2004 and Geneva in 2006 where it was unanimously agreed that 2015 will be the

deadline for transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, the Nigerian Government

immediately set up a Presidential Advisory Committee to advise government on the way

forward. In June 2009, the Committee submitted its findings to the Presidency. Nigeria

thus adopted 2012 for its terrestrial switchover. This marks the beginning of digital

application in Nigeria (NBC NEWS, 2008:5, Dunu & Ukwueze, 2009:2-3, AIRWAVES,

2006:14-17). On July 15, 2009, the Federal Executive Council approved the release of

funds to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) to upgrade its equipment and facilities

digitally. Meanwhile, Voice of Nigeria (VON) and African Independent Television (AIT)

have stated digital transmission adoption, while Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria

(FRCN) have started the process of digitization as well as other state-owned and private

radio stations. Earlier, in 2006, the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria

(APCON) organized a public forum on “Digital Broadcasting and Advertising” in which

Jijiwa emphasized that “broadcasting and advertising have a symbiotic relationship, as

the survival of broadcast establishments depends largely on advertising revenue…”

(Jijiwa, 2006:1).

2.1.1 Transition from Analogue to Digital Broadcasting in Africa: The Nigerian

Experience

It is clear that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) recognizes digitization,

which is ‘the conversion of the broadcast and communication systems from analogue to

digital’, as an essential global convergence driven by the International

Telecommunications Union (ITU) that will revolutionize broadcasting. This is in line

with Egbuna’s postulation that “in every aspect of our lives, technology has made; is

making and is poised to continue making significant impacts on the way we do things.

Because of the scope and depth of technological expansion, it is estimated that the

world’s collective knowledge, which doubled every few years some decades ago is now

doubling every six months” (Egbuna, 2009:1). However, Digitization both improves the

quality of reception and ensures a more efficient use of the spectrum, which is a scarce

and finite natural resource belonging to all Nigerians, and held in trust by licensees.

The transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting will affect all segments in the

broadcasting value chain, namely: content production, transmission and reception as all

will require technical upgrading to support digital broadcasts. This is because “digital

participation is key to building a 21st century knowledge economy and that without

Information Communication Technology (ICT), a nation cannot reach her full potential in

today’s world” (Ndukwe, 2009:4).

In November 2007, the National Broadcasting Commission briefed the 38th National

Council on Information and Communications in Jos on the imperatives of Digitization

and urgent need for the nation to take advantage of this inevitable global phenomenon.

In December 2007, President Umaru Yar-Adua approved that the Commission should

set in motion and pilot, Nigeria’s Digitization programme towards the target date of June

17, 2012. Meanwhile, the Commission, in a forward looking manner, has encouraged

cable (MMDS) and DTH operators to digitize their operations. All those operating in

Nigeria are now transmitting digital signals.

On June 3rd 2008, the Commission hosted a Stakeholders’ meeting, chaired by the Hon.

Minister of Information and Communications. It was attended by the Chairman, Senate

Committee on Media, the Chairman, House Committee on Information and more than

four hundred participants, including chief executives of federal and state government-

owned, as well as private broadcasting stations, policy makers, law makers, non-

governmental organizations and the General Public from across the nation.

In addition to endorsing the necessity for Nigeria to take advantage of the global

Digitisation movement, “the stakeholders urged government to drive the process through

policy by providing the necessary and enabling infrastructure, as well as set up a

digitization implementation task force and provide it with adequate funds to midwife the

transition” (NBC News, 2008:8a). Furthermore, the Stakeholders’ Conference also

advised that “for a successful migration, broadcasters will need to overcome the

challenges of digital compliant studio equipment, content provision, new

coverage planning, training for its personnel and public awareness” (NBC News,

2009:8b).

Furthermore, Government has the greatest role to play in actualizing the migration. It is

the role of government to lead the movement by fashioning out appropriate policy on

methodology and pace of migration, acquisition of set-top boxes for existing receivers

already in the country and generally giving direction to the industry in the interest of the

nation.

The regulator concluded the conference, by mandating broadcasting stations to have the

task of educating the operators and the public on the implications of the switchover

including the social benefits and the timetable.

The regulator is also expected to execute a planned migration strategy, and midwife it up

to the switch off of the analogue systems. This will include selecting the best standards

that will give the most benefit to consumers, setting specifications for receivers to be

acquired henceforth, the enforcement of the adequately publicized and properly phased

roll out dates, ensuring the availability of required equipment, insisting on systems

synergy to permit consumer mobility between providers e.t.c.

Soon after the stakeholders’ meeting, the Commission launched a sustained publicity in

the press, radio and television to sensitize the public on the implications of Digitisation

and what is expected of the various sectors. To further set measures in motion for the

realization of the project, the Federal Government set up a Presidential Advisory

Committee on Transition from Analogue to Digital Broadcasting in Nigeria. (PAC),

which was inaugurated on 13th October, 2008 by the then, Hon Minister of Information

and Communications, Mr. John Ogar Odey, with the following Terms of Reference:

· Recommend a policy on digital terrestrial broadcast transition using global best

practices.

· Recommend appropriate regulatory framework.

· Recommend a National Broadcasting Model.

· Assess impact of digitization on the consumers and recommend possible government

intervention.

· Determine the quantum of expected digital dividend.

· Assess environmental impact of digitization, if any, and recommend steps to be taken.

· Advice government on any action relevant to smooth transition in Nigeria.

2.1.2: Audience Perspective

One of the cardinal challenges posed by digital application in Nigeria is getting the

audience members sensitized and to ensure efficient and effective utilization of the

technology. For instance, there are reports that countries like South Africa, Tanzania, and

Kenya have already on ground, solid policy documents, regulatory and licensing

framework as well as well defined roadmap for digital broadcasting. It is therefore hoped

that in Nigeria as the perceived giant of Africa, it will work for the citizenry who must be

carried along via proper awareness and knowledge creation (Dunu and Ukwueze,

2009:6).

In their study on “Students’ Awareness and Knowledge of Digitalization of Broadcasting

in Nigeria: Implications for Journalism Curriculum”, Dunu and Ukwueze (2009:1-18)

studied 3 universities within the South-East geo-political zone. They chose one federal

university, one state university and a privately owned university. Nnamdi Azikiwe

University, Awka represented the federal, while Anambra State University, Uli – state

and Madonna University, Okija representing the private university. The study while

examining student’s awareness level found that out 180 students selected from the three

universities, 32 or 17.8 % agreed to have knowledge of the on-going digitization process,

as 148 representing 82.2 % said they were not aware of the exercise.

Furthermore, examining respondents sources and level of awareness, found that out of 32

respondents, none got information of the digital application process through the

university. 18 representing 56.2% said they know about it via mass media. 12 or 37.5%

replied from NBC campaign, while 2 or 6.3% said other sources. On respondent’s level

of awareness, 3 or 9.4% have high awareness level, while 10 representing 31.2% rated

theirs as moderate, as well as 19 or 59.4% were found to be very low. On respondent’s

knowledge of digitization and ability to differentiate analogue from digital mode of

broadcasting, the researchers found that out of 180 respondents, only 28 respondents or

15.6% claimed to know the concept of digitization, while 152 representing 84.4% do not

know anything about digitization. On the other hand, of the 28 respondents examined on

the ability to differentiate between analogue and digital broadcasting, it was found that 10

or 35.7% said they can differentiate the two concepts, while 18 representing 64.3%

agreed they cannot differentiate them.

The above results or report is enough evidence to show that Nigeria still have a long way

to go as long as migration from analogue to digital broadcasting is concern. The import is

that if those in academic do not have any consolable knowledge of digitization let alone

its application in Nigeria terrestrial broadcasting, then a lot of bridges lie ahead for us to

cross. This is why this study has become significant and imperative in the academia

approach to switchover and the setting of a common timescale. Commissioner Reding

explained that ‘by recommending 2012 as EU deadline for the analogue switch-off, I

would like to give a political signal to market participants and customers alike that digital

TV will soon be a reality’ (EC, 2005b).

However, the great diversity in terms both of national levels of digital television take-up

and approaches to digital switchover makes the 2012 EU-wide deadline unrealistic. The

following section outlines the national approaches towards analogue terrestrial television

switch-off and assesses the countries’ readiness for the process.

2.2 National Approaches to Digital Application: The European Experience

European Action Plan called upon member states to publish by the end of 2003 their

intentions regarding a possible switch. These plans reveal great variety in national

approaches and advancements with regard to digital switchover (ECT, 2003, cited in the

NBC, 2008:28). Table two of the ECT, (2003) report cited in the NBC (2008:28) had that

the five countries of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia and Malta (all at the time in

the process for accession to the EU) did not respond to this call. Six countries among

those that did respond did not provide any detailed plans for the conversion process. It is

interesting to note the report added that established members such as the Netherlands,

Ireland, Denmark, Luxembourg and Portugal had not come up with detailed switchover

plans by the end of 2005. Luxembourg has taken the decision not to develop a switchover

plan with specific target dates because the government favoured a market-driven

approach. Along similar lines, the Dutch policy with regard to the introduction of DTT is

that digitalization should be market-driven. Although the government favours a platform

neutral approach, it nevertheless acknowledges that the development of DTT might be

problematic due to cable’s strong position in the Dutch broadcasting market. Ireland’s

unwillingness to propose a specific switch-off date partly stems from the unsuccessful

2001 process to introduce DTT on a commercial footing with a free-to-air component.

The contemporary Irish government thinking is that a date will be proposed only when;

1. The coverage of free-to-view digitally broadcast national television is likely to be

sufficiently high and nearing universality and;

2. Analogue switch-off will be expected to result in minimum disruption for viewers.

In its response to the EC’s call, the Danish government stated that priority was given to

the introduction of DTT that would enable the setting of a switch-off date. Under an

agreement between the government and the Danish People’s Party (Dansk Folkeparti) of

1st September 2003, it was decided that DTT would be operational by

April 2005, but this has now been extended to April 2006. Finally, by the end of 2005 the

Portuguese regulator was still in the process of re-evaluating the different options for a

successful implementation of DTT and preparing a plan for switchover to digital. DTT

tender we expected in early 2006.

It can be seen that most of these countries which had not set a final switch-off date by the

end of 2005 also lacked a detailed plan for the introduction of DTT. However, four EU

member members indicated the year 2010 as a possible switchover date, while the

majority (seven) aims to complete the national terrestrial switchover process by 2012.

Most of those countries that gave a date between 2010 and 2012 are also in a quite

advanced stage of DTT roll-out. In Britain, for example,

DTT was initially launched on a commercial basis in 1998 and a year later this pioneer

attempt was followed by Sweden and Spain. Finland, which launched DTT in 2001, has

set an early switch-off date of 2007.

In fact, Sweden and Finland are expected to be among the first EU member states to

switch off analogue terrestrial television at a national level. In May 2003, the Finish

Ministry of Transport and Communications set up a Working Group to assess the

transition to all-digital broadcasting. The Group considered a prompt and binding

decision to switch off analogue broadcasting to be the most important means to promote

digital television, and for this reason it proposed that the terrestrial analogue network be

switched off on 31 August 2007. This early date was partly chosen because the licensing

period for analogue television licenses expires by the end of 2006, and partly due to

economic considerations (due to geographical reasons television transmission costs are

high in Finland). The various parties consulted by the Working Group (broadcasters, the

supply chain and consumer associations) were unanimous about the need to set an

unequivocal and realistic date for switching off analogue broadcasting. These parties

noted that the setting of a clear switch-off date actually promotes the purchase of digital

equipment, stimulates the development of services and encourages household decision-

making in adopting digital television. Along similar lines, the last analogue television

transmitter in Sweden is expected to switch off in February 2008. In March 2004, a

Switchover Commission was appointed with the dual task of drawing a plan for

switchover and raising public awareness of the process. As was the case in Finland, a key

issue that emerged was that during the conversion period there should be close

cooperation between broadcasters, electronics companies and consumer associations. A

basic political ambition is that everyone living in Sweden should be able to receive

television broadcasts after the analogue terrestrial network in the country is shut down.

From a human aspect perspective, the Switchover Commission’s view is that the period

until switch-off (in 2008) would give consumers a reasonable amount of time to adjust to

DTV technology. From an economic point of view, the Switchover Commission

envisaged that the earlier the shut-down of the analogue terrestrial broadcasts, the larger

the economic gains. Given the early adoption of DTT in the country (despite its slow

development), the final digital switchover date seems more realistic than in other

countries.

2.9.3 EU Initiatives in Digital Application

The digital switchover plans may primarily be the responsibility of national

policymakers, but there is also a European dimension that requires intervention of

European public authorities. As it is stated in an EC Communication, beyond the

advantages at national level, an acceleration of the switchover process could increase

learning and awareness, and promote best practices across member states (EC, 2005a, p.

8). New digital technologies and services depend to a large extent on achieving a critical

mass of users at an EU level and become more attractive with an increased installed base

of technology in Europe. The Communication goes on to argue that the development of

new services could be hampered by differing national approaches to the transition process

to digital switchover. Harmonization of national policies contributes to achieving a ‘level

playing field’ and eliminating legal uncertainty (EC, 2005a, p. 8). According to BIPE

(2002, p. 12), the need for European action in this field derives from:

• The transnational nature of spectrum management;

• The free circulation of goods and services in the single European market;

• The promotion of global European competitiveness in all the industries involved

(television services, consumer electronics, advanced television technologies), which

requires coordination and synchronization of developments.

In its response to the EC’s request for an Opinion ‘on the spectrum implications of

switchover to digital broadcasting’, the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) considered

that the coordination between member states on spectrum management can contribute to

a quick and efficient switchover and for this reason should be facilitated and encouraged.

The RSPG (2004:5) identified the following areas where EU-level initiatives could

promote and facilitate a coordinated approach:

• Information sharing, collection and distribution of information between members states,

such as regular reports on national plans and strategies for digital switchover;

• Arranging public workshops at which representatives from member states can discuss

and provide guidance on best practices in areas such as bilateral coordination and

transition phases.

The European Commission seems to share the view that member state coordination at EU

level can facilitate an open and transparent approach to switchover, for in September

2003 it published a Communication aimed at assisting member states in making the

transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. The Communication Digital Switchover

(EC, 2003) sets out a guide on how best to migrate from analogue to digital radio and

television broadcasting in a consumer-friendly fashion. It also launches a policy debate

on how to make best use of the radio spectrum made available after analogue

broadcasting is switched off. The then Commissioner for Enterprise and the Information

Society Erkki Liikanen emphasized that the EU was not considering ‘intrusive measures’

such as prescribing deadlines for digital switchover, since progress varies widely across

the Union. However, the Commission was actively monitoring national processes and

would continue to run benchmarking exercises. The Commission’s aim was to elicit

voluntary switchovers through a series of incentives. Under the eEurope2005 Action

Plan, member states were expected to publish their digital switchover plans – including a

possible date for ending analogue television – by the end of 2003.

The Commission’s active role in the area was verified with the publication of yet another

Communication (EC, 2005a), which builds on the 2003 Communication, and, in the light

of member states’ switchover intentions published within the framework of the e- Europe

Action Plan, as well as a 2004 Opinion of the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG,

2004), it proposes a deadline for switch-off of analogue terrestrial broadcasting across the

EU. It can be seen from this document that the EC has in fact changed its policy on

digital switchover, which may reflect the different priorities pursued by the new

Information Society and Media Commissioner, Vivian Reding. While the 2003

Communication merely set out the benefits of switching over to digital television and

explored various policy orientations on future uses of released spectrum, the 2005

Communication went further and in fact proposed the beginning of 2012 as the date for

switch-off in all member states. As it is stated in the Communication, economic and

social benefits across the EU will only be fully achieved once all member states have

completed switch-off.

2.2.1 Application of Digital Technology: The German Experience

Broadly speaking, DTV conversion depends on the adoption levels of the technology, but

there might be the case that a country with low DTV penetration rates storms ahead with

regard to switchover. Germany, with a DTV penetration rate of well below 10 percent in

2004, does not even feature in the top 10 European countries by DTV household

adoption. The main obstacle to the roll-out of digital has been that German households

can access over 30 free-to-air channels on cable and satellite (Iosifidis et al., 2005: 114–

15). The structure of the German television market differs from that in most other

European countries in that more than 90 percent of households receive programming via

cable and satellite while terrestrial reception is below 10 percent. However, with the

successful completion of the first switchover process in August 2003,

Berlin/Brandenburg has played a pioneer role in Europe and beyond. In particular, the

digitalization of terrestrial transmission began in the Greater Berlin/Postdam region in

January 2002 and was successfully completed in August 2003, when analogue

broadcasting was totally switched off.

The factors which made the switchover in Berlin/Postdam a success were the following:

• It occurred at the right time and the right region was selected (i.e. availability of

frequencies, few transmitter locations needed);

• There was a binding agreement between the parties concerned;

• The media authority for Berlin/Brandenburg adopted central planning and control;

• Availability of new performance characteristics (portability, mobility);

• There was a short simulcast period until final switching off of analogue transmission

that ensured low transmission costs for broadcasters (Berlin Goes Digital, 2003).

An additional reason for the success has been the multi-platform approach to universal

coverage. This approach ensures that digital terrestrial television would not necessarily

have to be available in areas covered by cable and satellite transmission. This provided

tremendous economic incentives, given that Germany is a heavily cabled country. It

basically meant that only those households with terrestrial reception were affected and

that cable and/or satellite households would not be converted. Most importantly, the

switch-off in this region was accompanied by an efficient communication campaign

aimed at providing relevant information to homes affected by the process, as well as

close cooperation between interested parties who identified affordability and universal

coverage as key issues to address before switchover. In this context, the process was

largely socially acceptable. The results of this process provide encouraging findings to

continue along this route.

Based on the Berlin model, in 2004 the switchover continued in North Rhine- Westphalia

and in northern Germany. In fact, the German government is determined to achieve a

nationwide rapid switchover to digital terrestrial broadcasting and to analogue switch-off

before 2010. In Germany, as in other countries in central, Northern and Eastern Europe as

well as in the US, terrestrial broadcasting is a niche market. Since most German

households currently subscribe to cable or satellite, the switch off of the analogue

terrestrial signal affects only 3 million households,( out of a total of 34 million TV

households) receiving television through this platform. In addition, television frequencies

are controlled by the state rather than the federal level. Because of this, the country’s

approach to switch over is regional and has concentrated on the most populous areas. The

intention is to switch off all analogue transmitters in each area after a brief period of

simulcasting. Following the trial experience in the Berlin – Brandenburg area, the switch

to digital is currently underway in several other regions in Germany.

The Brandenburg Media Authority (MABB) coordinated the switch off process by setting

up a transition scheme through an agreement with the public broadcasters (ARD, ORB,

SFB and ZDF), the main commercial broadcasters (prosieben SAT.I Media AG and

RTL Television) and the terrestrial network operator (Deutsche Telekom). In the

transition phase, some of the analogue channels were switched off and the spectrum

saved was used for digital broadcasting. The switch over process was accompanied by

an information and advertising comparing, at a cost of less than € 1. 2 million. In order

not to exclude low – income family, from access to television, the govt. Paid for STBs (

Set Top Boxes) for some 6,000 families that were eligible for welfare benefits and were

not subscribed to either cable or satellite digital networks. A budget of € 1 million was set

aside for the subsidy As a result of the switchover, the number of channels available has

increased drastically (27 digital channel now exist in lieu of 12 analogue ones) and

significantly less spectrum is used (The 27 digital channels occupy the same amount of

spectrum as just 7 of the old channels). The federal states of Saxony, Saxony – Anhodt,

Thuringia and North Rhine – Westphalia are expected to be following in Berlin’s

footsteps soon.

2.2.2: Digital Application: The British Experience

Britain seems to proceed with caution in the field of digital switchover. Despite being the

most advanced DTV market in Europe, digital switchover is expected to be achieved as

late as 2012. Similarly to Germany, digital switchover will take place in stages.

According to the Regulator Ofcom (2004), television screens should not go blank

overnight, but switchover should be phased in, region by region. Although the

government said no firm decision on the timetable would be made until customers’

interests were protected, media Regulator Ofcom remained committed to the earliest

practical switchover policy. Ofcom’s proposal, submitted to the government in February

2005, is that the phasing in of a digital-only service would begin in 2008 in Wales and the

Border region and end with the analogue signal being switched off in the Channel Islands

in 2012. Each region is expected to take six months to convert, giving households time to

switch to digital cable, satellite or terrestrial (Ofcom, 2005b).

In April 2005, Britain witnessed the launch of SwitchCo, the organization that will

coordinate the country’s switchover to digital television. SwitchCo (now renamed Digital

UK) has been formed at government request by the public broadcaster BBC and

commercial channels ITV, Channel 4, Five, Teletext and S4C, as well as the digital

terrestrial television multiplex operators Crown Castle and SDN, all of whom are

represented on its management board and provide funding. The setting up of the

organization is a major step on the road to a totally digital Britain, as it takes forward the

work of the government’s Digital Television Action Plan, completed in December 2004.

The three main tasks of the new body are the following:

• To coordinate the technical roll-out of digital terrestrial television across Britain,

region by region, to a timetable agreed by the government;

• To communicate with the public about digital switchover to ensure

everyone is aware about the process, what they need to do and when;

• To liaise with television equipment manufacturers, retailers, digital platform operators

and consumer groups to ensure understanding of support for the switchover programme

(SwitchCo, 2005).

The relatively late timetable for switch-off is expected to allow plenty of time to manage

the public information campaigns and coordinated industry communications through

SwitchCo (Digital UK). It will also allow time to address people’s concerns about the

switchover process. The Generics Group’s 2004 report on the human aspects of digital

television showed that while the policy is feasible people are concerned about certain

aspects of digital switchover and need more information (Klein et al., 2004). The

Generics report was based on a survey of 1500 British households who were asked how

they engage with DTV and found that there is widespread concern about the cost of

getting DTV. Some households were not convinced about the benefits in making the

transition to digital. However, the report presented the following encouraging results:

• Twenty-three percent of households plan to convert voluntarily even If switchover does

not happen;

• A further 22 percent would convert if switchover took place;

• Fewer than 5 percent of households claimed that they would never have DTV.

While recognizing that a lengthy switchovser period allows the regulator to take full

account of the interests of viewers and other key parties, it is worth emphasizing that

without shutting down analogue the existing digital system cannot be extended (Watson,

2004, p. 19). In Britain, it is not technically possible for about 27 percent of the

population to have DTT until after switchover when more spectrums will be released and

the more efficient use of the broadcast spectrum will take place. In this context,

accelerating the process to digital switchover is in the wider public policy remit. For this

purpose, public broadcaster BBC is required to implement digital switchover under the

terms of its Royal Charter, as set out in the government’s 2005 Green Paper (DCMS,

2005). Commercial broadcasters with a public service remit, such as ITV, Channel 4,

Five, S4C and Teletext, are also required to fulfill the digital switchover obligations

contained within their Digital Replacement Licenses, issued by Ofcom at the end of

2004.

2.2.3: Digital Application: The French Experience:

France remains a terrestrial comity with some 67% of households still on analogue

terrestrial in 2002. There are five FTA channels, of which there are govt. owned and two

commercial. A peculiar feature of France is the availability of a pay TV channel (canal +)

on the analogue terrestrial platform. In addition, there are two satellite operators

(Canal satellite and TPS) serving 205% of the television population. The cable sector is

weak and quite fragmented and losing ground to satellite. Digital terrestrial television is

expedited to be launched soon in France. The 33 DTT channel have already been

allocated.

The existing three analogue commercial channels have been assigned two DTT channels

each (one to broadcast the original channel and another for a new channel), while eight

channels have been reserved for the public broadcasting and whole television. In October

2002, the French regulatory agency, the consul superieur de’Audiovisual (CSA) allocated

the remaining channel for ten years via a beauty contest. Some of the licensees are

supported by advertising and others are pay channels (Bourreau 2004).

2.2.4: DIGITAL APPLICATION: THE ITALIAN EXPERIENCE:

FTA television in ltaly is essential a duopoly, with three channels provided by the

government owed broadcasters RAI, and three channels by the private group Mecliaset.

Cable and satellite have limited perpetration, but following a reach merger the satellite

operator (SKY) is now gaining market share. According to a new controversial media bill

‘Legged Gaspar Italy intended to switch off the analogue terrestrial signal by the end of

2006. The government allocated €130 million in the 2004 Budget to support DTT by

subsidizing the purchase of digital reception equipment, to a limit of € 150 per person. A

similar proportion was contained in the previous year’s budget legislation.

2.3 Digital Application in America: The United State Experience:

Levy et. al (2002) reports that out of a total of 106 million TV households in the US,

only 10 million currently receive exclusively FTA terrestrial television. Some of those

households are in remote areas, making the transition to digital television a difficult

social and political problem. In contrast to Europe, the US government has only

limited involvement in television production. Unlike in most other contras, terrestrial

broadcasting is organized around whole stations in the US. Each station is allocated

MHz of bandwidth necessary in order to analogically broadcast a channel using the

American standard system for color television (NTSC). The telecommunications Act of

1996 established the framework for licensing terrestrial spectrum for digital broadcasting

and set a target transition deadline of 31 December 2006.Existing broadcasters retained

their original ( MHz channel for analogue broadcasting until the expected completion of

the transition and were as signal an additional (MHz channel to facilitate the switchover.

The balanced Budget Act of 1997 spatial that broadcasters could keep their analogue

television service beyond 1996 if fewer than 85% of the television households in their

market were able to receive digital signals (either off the air or through cable).

2.5: Analytical Perspective on Digital Application across America and

Europe

Digital Switchover in Europe

Digital switchover has been put high on the agenda of European regulators in recent

years. In June 2005, the European Commission (EC) published a magazine on

accelerating the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting’, which urged EU

member states to bring forward the likely date of analogue switch-off and called for a

coordinated approach to making freed-up spectrum available across the EU. The

publication builds on the 2003 publication ‘on the transition from analogue to digital

broadcasting’ (from digital ‘switchover’ to analogue ‘switch off’), which set the benefits

of switching over to digital broadcasting and initiated the debate on EU policy

orientations on the amount and future uses of spectrum potentially released at switch-off

of analogue terrestrial television transmission.

Following the introduction of digital broadcasting, ‘switchover’ is defined as the

progressive migration of households, from analogue-only reception to digital reception.

‘Analogue turn-off’ or ‘switch-off’ refers to the termination of analogue broadcasting,

which is considered to be possible when most households are equipped to receive digital

signals (BIPE, 2002, p.2). As it is conceived by the EC, the term ‘switch-off’ means the

termination of terrestrial transmission of analogue television, whereas ‘switchover’ refers

to the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting of all networks including

terrestrial, cable, satellite and digital subscriber lines (EC, 2005a, p. 4). Digital

switchover is largely seen as an inevitable result of technological progress. It is an

unpopular policy that people often see as coercive. This is partly because the national

governments’ rationale and motives for switchover are not entirely understood and

trusted, and partly because people think analogue television will be ‘taken away’ and

therefore they will have to incur costs to be able to continue to watch television (Klein et

al., 2004:8,14). Addressing the issue of social acceptability of switchover is a public duty

to be fulfilled by the state. In fact, large parts of the population see little or no reason to

adopt digital television (DTV). Research undertaken in Britain by the Generics Group

found that for some people DTV is too confusing or just too difficult to use. For others,

converting their television sets seems to incur a significant financial investment that they

are not prepared to take (Klein et al., 2004). There are also millions of viewers who are

simply satisfied with the programming available on the analogue channels and who do

not see the merits of the multi-channel era. In many EU countries, the established

analogue terrestrial channels still get the lion’s share of television viewing. For example,

despite the entry of a number of pay-TV networks, public television channels in most

European countries still hold audience shares close to a very respectable 40 percent.

According to the 2004 Yearbook of the European Audiovisual Observatory, in 2003 most

public television channels managed to retain an audience share of between 30 and 45

percent, with the exception of some extreme cases (i.e. ORF in Austria securing a very

high share of 53 percent, while the Greek ERT only managing a 10 percent share) (EAO,

2004). Also, traditional free-to-air commercial broadcasters attract large audiences. In

spite of inevitable losses (for example, in the period between 1993 and 2002 the British

ITV lost an audience share of 15.9 percent, followed by the French TF1, which lost 8.4

percent), these private broadcasters still get shares of over 30 percent each in their

respective highly competitive and fragmented broadcasting markets (Screen Digest,

2004). It then comes as no surprise that in 2004 the European DTV landscape has not

reached stability. However, completing the switch to digital will bring significant benefits

both to consumers and broadcasters. National economies as a whole are also expected to

benefit. More specifically, digital broadcasting brings (BIPE, 2002; Jowell, 2004):

• Increased choice and quality for viewers (as there will be more channels and the

opportunity to provide a better image, including wide-screen aspect ratio, high definition

and sound quality);

• Lower transaction costs or the ability to transmit more channels or services for the same

cost. Broadcasters will no longer have to incur the costs of transmitting signals in both

formats (simulcasting), releasing sources for investment in programming and other

services for consumers;

• Better efficiency in spectrum use (as more data can be transmitted within the same

bandwidth). Spectrum will be released to allow the development of more television and

other services for consumers. Digital terrestrial television signals are also expected to

reach the population who live in areas that cannot currently receive them because of

spectrum limitation;

• The ability to transmit associated data allowing for enhanced television or fully

interactive applications when associated with a return-path facility. Alongside these

tremendous economic and social benefits, the analogue switch-off entails drawbacks,

notably it may result in social exclusion insofar as DTV is unavailable to some parts of

the population (Iosifidis, 2005, p. 59). Most European countries have taken measures to

ensure that certain criteria of availability and affordability are satisfied as part of their

strategy for analogue switch-off. For example, the Austrian broadcasting regulatory

authority, Komm Austria, charged with developing a specific strategy for the introduction

of digital broadcasting, set up a ‘digitalization fund’ as a support measure. The resources

from the fund may be used for various purposes, including assisting consumers who are

unable to afford the end-user equipment in the final switchover phase scheduled to take

place in 2010. In Italy, the ambitious target of switching off terrestrial television at the

end of 2006 is promoted by heavy government subsidy of set-top boxes. In order to speed

the switchover, in 2004 the government offered a €150 subsidy to buyers of the first

700,000 set-top boxes required to receive digital signals, which typically cost €200

(Saitto, 2004:8). The parties involved in the switchover process in Berlin, which was

completed in 2003, were in agreement that a key issue for a successful switchover was

affordability for all homes regardless of income. Also, the Interstate Broadcasting Treaty

governing broadcasting in all German states was amended to entitle public broadcasters

to gradually discontinue analogue terrestrial transmission under certain conditions

including universal coverage of digital broadcasts. The British government’s objective,

first announced in September 1999, is to achieve full switchover from analogue to digital

only when the following tests are satisfied:

• To ensure that everyone who can currently get the main public service broadcasting

channels can receive them on digital systems.

• To ensure that switching over is affordable for the vast majority.

• To ensure that 95 percent of consumers have access to digital equipment (DCMS,

2004).

2.9 The Challenges of Digital Technology Application across the Globe: Collapses of

DTV Consortia and ITV Digital And Quiero TV

In Britain, the satisfaction of the above main criteria of availability, affordability and

accessibility were until recently considered unrealistic. The digital switchover policy was

conceived at the end of the 1990s, in the middle of the dotcom euphoria. The take-up of

DTV services was then relatively high, but following the collapse of the digital terrestrial

pay-TV platform ITV Digital in 2002, the initial high rate was not maintained as digital

television failed to meet some customers’ expectations. In particular, in April 2002 ITV

Digital, jointly owned by commercial broadcasters Carlton Communications and Granada

Media Group, filed for bankruptcy. “This financial crisis was the result of a poor

management policy, technical problems and the decision to give away free set-top boxes

to emulate the strategy of pay satellite broadcaster” (Iosifidis et al., 2005:112–14). Above

all, though, the consortium’s collapse was caused by overbidding for football rights. In

particular, in 2001 ITV Digital signed a three-year £315 million deal to show Nationwide

League (First Division) games, the largest broadcasting contract in the League’s history.

The intention was to compete with BSkyB, which had previously acquired the rights to

show live Premiership matches. The problem was that the Nationwide is a lower league

and so ITV Digital attempted to copy BSkyB’s strategy by using less appealing football

matches, attracting fewer football fans and viewers. Its inability to create a large

subscriber base (in early 2002 ITV Digital only managed about 1.2 million viewers

compared to BSkyB’s 5.5 million) resulted in huge debts and eventual shut-down. Not

only had the closure a negative effect on the 72 English football clubs that depended on

ITV Digital for much of their income, but it also held back the government’s plans for an

all-digital Britain.

The simultaneous closure of another pay digital terrestrial television (DTT) platform in

Spain put the viability of the technology in serious doubt. DTT operator Onda Digital

(later renamed Quiero TV) was introduced in 1999, making Spain the third country in the

world to launch DTT (the other two being Britain and Sweden). The main shareholder of

Quiero TV was Retevision, controlled by the Spanish bank Santander Central Hispano

and Spanish electric utilities Endesa and Union Fenosa. Owing to huge debts and limited

subscriber base, in April 2002 Quiero TV’s shareholders decided to close the platform.

Quiero TV’s failure can be attributed to a number of factors, including the relatively

limited number of services compared to those offered by rival digital satellite platforms

Canal Satellite Digital and Via Digital (now merged), limited geographical reach as it

covered only 60 percent of the Spanish population, and prohibitive cost (about €400–500)

of purchasing the digital decoder (Iosifidis et al., 2005, p. 115–16).

2.9.1: THE FREE-TO-AIR MODEL – THE CASES OF FREEVIEW AND

FREESAT

Given the low subscriber base of the Swedish pay DTT platform (securing just 150,000

customers in 2002), a new strategy was urgently needed to target more viewers. Until

2002, the economic model for DTV (not only terrestrial, but also cable and satellite) had

been largely based on pay-TV services offered by private consortia.

These consortia have acquired exclusive popular programming (particularly sports and

film rights) and require subscribers to buy a decoder (and, in the case of satellite, a dish)

to access it. While pay-TV has driven the initial uptake of DTV in Europe, saturation of

the pay-TV market in terms of penetration may be occurring. Already, the market may

have arrived at a situation in which those consumers prepared to sign up to digital pay-

TV services have already done so. In the highly competitive British digital pay-TV

market, about 37 percent of homes had taken up digital television by 2002, leaving more

than 60 percent of homes unconvinced. Attention was focused on the free-to-view market

and with the launch of the BBC led Free view service in September 2002, DTT in Britain

has turned into a free-to-air only platform.

Free view, which is backed by the BBC, BSkyB and the transmission company Crown

Castle, is aimed at an audience confused by DTV and hostile to subscription services.

The redirection of DTT towards a primarily free-to-air system has proved compelling to

many households who are negative about pay-TV. Evidence of this is that from the third

quarter of 2002 (the time Freeview was launched) until the first quarter of 2005, DTT

showed a strong increase in its share of the digital television market from 10.6 percent to

32.8 percent, whereas over the same period digital cable saw a decline from 21.1 percent

to 16.5 percent, and digital satellite showed a drop from 68.1 percent to 47.7 percent

(Ofcom, 2005a). In terms of numbers, digital satellite remained the market leader in 2005

(BSkyB’s subscribers in Britain reached 7,349,000 at the end of the first quarter of 2005),

while the total number of subscribers to cable television was just under 3.3 million

(digital cable accounted for just over 2.5 million). However, Freeview’s household

numbers were estimated to have grown to around 5,059,350 in just over two years since

its launch. Total DTV penetration was estimated to have reached 61.9 percent of British

households by 31 March 2005, up from just 37 percent in 2002, mostly thanks to the

launch of a free-to-air DTT platform. The subscription-free scheme helped to rebuild

public confidence in DTV. As it is a free-to-view platform, it helped to combat the

common misconception that DTV is necessarily pay-TV. Since the launch of Free view,

DTV has become considerably more affordable as competition between manufacturers

and retailers of Free view receivers resulted in significant price reductions (in mid-2005

digital adapters were being sold for as little as £50).

Perhaps more importantly, Free view appeals to those who reject satellite and cable pay-

TV services and to whom, as a BBC (2004, p. 10) report states, ‘a terrestrial free-to-air

service is a welcome bonus’. In fact, the popularity of free digital service Free view has

contributed to DTV take-up from previously sceptical groups (Iosifidis, 2005). Analysis

of the demographics of Free view subscribers reinforces the notion that free-to-air digital

customers are largely additional to pay-TV subscribers. In March 2003, a Quest survey

gave demographic data on the types of households that were using each platform and

concluded that Free view had a different profile to other platforms. In particular, the

findings suggest that many of Free view’s customers are affluent, older people who have

no interest in purchasing satellite or cable pay-TV services. Many of Free view homes

comprise of an age group of over 45, compared to satellite subscription television take-

up, which is heavily skewed to the under- 45s. The fact that the free-to-air package

includes far fewer available channels (about 30 compared to over 200 from BSkyB) made

no difference to this group, who have no interest in multi-channel television (Quest

Survey, 2003).

Research undertaken by Oliver and Ohlbaum (2004, p. 17) on behalf of the BBC

reinforced the notion that Free view penetration has been largely additional to, rather than

a substitute for, digital pay-TV take-up. The research found that those considering getting

subscription television services continued to do so, as evidenced by the rise of pay- TV

(both cable and satellite) following the launch of Free view, albeit at a slower rate than

before. Without doubt, the healthy growth of Free view reinforced competition between

different platforms and established free-to-air digital reception as a viable alternative to

pay-TV services. However, because of a technical shortcoming of the digital terrestrial

signal, at switch-off, only an estimated 73 percent of the population will have access to

digital terrestrial television, well short of the 95 percent target set by the government. For

this reason it was thought that the launch of an attractive, viewer-friendly free-to-air

satellite option available to everybody without having to pay a subscription would

perhaps contribute to universal digital coverage and certainly push forward the

withdrawal of analogue services. This is true because, unlike digital terrestrial television,

satellite signals are technically available to every British household.

Ultimately, in late 2004, BSkyB launched a subscription-free satellite service, a move

that deepens its involvement with free-to-view services (the satellite operator is also a

partner in Free view). The new digital platform from BSkyB, dubbed FreeSat, enables

customers to receive about 140 television channels, 80 radio stations and 13 interactive

services for a one-off fee of £150 that includes a satellite dish, a set-top box and

installation. As Shah (2004) argues, the launch of FreeSat seems to be a response to the

runaway success of Free view and can perhaps be seen as a defensive move given the

success of the digital terrestrial package. The strategy is expected to enable BSkyB to

target a wider range of potential customers, notably those who do not wish to pay

subscriptions, but either cannot receive Free view (rural British households), or are not

satisfied with the limited channels available on

it. The service is part of an evolving strategy being formulated under the new chief

executive of BSkyB, James Murdoch, to target a wider range of potential customers

(Shah, 2004). Regardless of BSkyB’s motivations, the launch of this service is expected

to encourage DTV take-up and accelerate the digital switchover process.

2.9.2: Digital Television Adoption across Europe

Following the British example, other European countries considered launching

subscription-free DTT services. The service has been available in Germany since late

2002, while Italy set up free DTT in 2003. But even the free-to-air DTV services,

alongside the steady growth of some pay satellite television platforms such as BSkyB,

Canal Plus, Premiere and Sky Italia, could not secure a wide range of customers that

would justify prompt analogue switch-off across Europe. Switching off the analogue

frequency depends to a large extent on the level of DTV penetration. Some European

governments have announced bold plans for analogue switch-off and European regulators

have imposed an EU-wide switch-off date. However, the availability of DTV remains

partial and penetration rates differ substantially among European countries. Whereas the

Scandinavian region had quite successfully developed DTV, with penetration rates in

Sweden and Norway both above 30 percent in 2004, in certain countries, particularly the

smaller and Mediterranean markets, DTV has not secured a significant share of the

television market.

No country will have completed digital conversion by 2010, according to market reports.

Forecasts by Informa Telecoms and Media (2004) on European digital terrestrial

television consider that DTV penetration is only expected to reach 46 percent by the end

of 2010, representing 110 million homes. In a more recent study, the Informa Group

reported that Britain is leading the race to switch off its terrestrial analogue television

signal, for DTV penetration in the country will have increased to 66 percent by the end of

2005, up from 58 percent at the end of 2004. Still, about 35 percent of households remain

unconvinced of the merits of DTV. Converting these households by 2012 (the date set by

the government) will be a huge marketing and communications task. Sweden, which is

committed to making the switchover to digital in 2008, is expected to end 2005 with a

DTV penetration of almost 44 percent. Ireland, Norway and Finland are the only other

countries with an end-2005 DTV penetration rate above 30 percent. All these countries

consider making the switchover before the end of 2010. However, plans for an early

analogue switch-off for some European countries remain ambitious. France, which has a

provisional date of 2010 for terminating analogue terrestrial television, will end 2005

with a DTV penetration of slightly more than one-quarter of its households. Italy, which

has one of the region’s most ambitious switchover timetables, will end 2005 with a

penetration rate below 20 percent. DTV adoption in Spain will be just 17.5 percent at the

end of 2005, but the government has announced a switch-off date of 2010 (which

however does not include any detailed plan). According to Simon Dyson, senior analyst

for the TV International Database:

. . . the process of an early switch-off of analogue signals in

some European countries looksunlikely, given the slower than

expected rate of shift to digital. Even Britain, which has

Europe’s highest digital penetration rate, could have some

problems with resistance from later adopters. (Informa

Telecoms and Media, 2005).

So why have national governments committed to switching off analogue television? The

answer partly lies in the tremendous economic benefits resulting from switch-off (lower

transaction costs, better efficiency in spectrum use), and partly in the action taken by

European regulators.

The Choice of Digital Radio format for Nigeria

But which technology will carry Nigeria successfully into the future? The choice

between the different digital radio technologies can be confusing and complex.

AirWave (2004) states that due to the very nature and importance of radio, any

error could be catastrophic. The choice of technology must satisfy all parties involved.

The listeners, the Nigeria broadcasters, NBC and the broadcast manufacturers.

The listeners want more choices, interactivity and higher quality. The Nigerian

broadcasters want a low investment with a high return. The broadcast manufacturers wish

to see a fast return on any R&D investment with the lowest risk and it could be assumed

that Nigerian government and NDC wish to have a seamless and effective process of

implementation and use the least amount of their valuable bandwidth while providing the

maximum benefit to Nigeria, particularly now that frequency spectrum is in high demand

due to deregulation of telecommunication (NBC News, 2008).

So how can Nigeria make the right selection? The technologies of DRM, DAB and

HD Radio were specifically developed to allow broadcasters to switch from analogue to

digital and each system has been implemented with varying amounts of success.

Any comparison between technologies must appraise each as it relates to the

people using the technology. These include the listener, broadcaster, regulator and

manufacturers. It is important to understand how technology markets work and what is

required to succeed. The evaluation from all points of view particularly those directly

involved in the technology are critical for success. Each player must see a distinct

advantage in this as it relates to him.

DAB uses brand III and L-brand frequencies.

Some countries like USA utilize the L-Band specifically for military and marine,

while others have not yet employed L-band for transmission.

A feasible challenge with the L-band is that the coverage per kilowatt of power is

miserable and a very expensive means of transmission particularly in Nigeria, where the

aim of transmission is a nation wide coverage. It then implies that for an appreciable

signal reception, a huge number of transmitters would be required and configured in

cellular infrastructure (Radio-House, 2000).

For the HD Radio, it functions in the same band as the active analogue AM

medium wave and FM-VHF Band II. This is an enticement to all parties involved, for the

broadcaster; the “dial position” does not change, there will be a smaller amount of

infrastructural changes required and lower capital costs to put into operation. As for most

Nigerians, the existing analogue radio still works, and when the listener wishes to

purchase a new radio it will be because of the superiority, signal sturdiness, resilience and

new services available.

The researcher has no doubt that Nigerian government would be in favour of no

request for new licenses just to provide related content and service. They would rather

want to employ additional spectrum for other applications allowing for additional

services

Also, the transmitter and receiver manufacturers would ensure that there is less

risk and lower R&D.

A critical look at these two intervening factors reveal that the transmitter powers

required for a HD Radio and DRM to provide similar coverage as a DAB multiplex

would be drastically lower. This would then illustrate that, cost to operate either a DRM

or HD Radio transmitter as compared to a DAB system would be less.

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design

For this study, survey research design was employed in order to meet the

challenges of the study. This design according to Nwodu (2006, p. 67) focuses on a

representative sample derived from the entire population of study. This implies that the

method works on the promise that a given population is too large for any researcher to

realistically observe all the elements in the population, hence, the researcher goes into the

field and select samples out of the entire population relevant in that situation.

This design was however the most relevant for a study of this nature since it can

guarantee the researcher the privilege of going into the field to carry out opinion survey

among cross-sectional segments of the study population on the application of digital

technology in terrestrial broadcasting in Nigeria. The import is because this is an opinion

survey study which the application of survey research design can solve.

Consequently, the researcher found interest in this design in that, it has been

found the most appropriate method to assess the knowledge level of respondents on the

concept of digital technology application in terrestrial broadcasting in Nigeria. It will as

well study their feelings, perceptions, and understanding of respondents on the concept

being studied.

3.2 Population of Study

The population for this study included experts in the field of broadcasting in

Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Training School Ikeja Lagos; who can

provide all needed information about the application of digital technology in terrestrial

broadcasting. The experts here included the students, the teaching and non-teaching staff.

A population size of 3000 was used for this study; reason being that the population under

investigation is a very homogeneous one whom the researcher can easily access. This

population includes all the teaching, non-teaching, administrative, technical staff as well

as students of the said institution.

The choice of this school was based on the fact that they have been in the business of

training professionals in broadcasting across West Africa for decades.

3.3 Sampling Size

According to the in-house journal of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN)

(‘THE RADIO HOUSE’, 2009); the FRCN Training School, Ikeja, Lagos has a

population size of over 3000 students and over 60 for both contract and permanent staff

strength (per annum).

Based on this, the sample size for this research was 300 respondents who the

researcher randomly selected from the entire population size of 3000. The population is

made up of the students, teaching and non-teaching staff of the FRCN Training School.

According to Nwora (1981, p.81), “if the population is a few 100, a 40 percent or more

samples will do; if many hundreds, a 20 percent samples will do; if a few thousand, a 10

percent samples will do; and if in several thousands, a 5 percent or fewer samples will

do”.

In agreement with the above statements, the stated 300 samples were drawn as a

10 percent of the population since the population is 3000 elements that constitute the

study population size.

It is represented thus: 10/1000; therefore 3000:10= 3000.

3.4 Sampling Technique

The population was stratified in the following grouping: teaching and

administrative staff, students, and the non-teaching and technical staff. Quota sampling

was employed in drawing samples from each of the stratum of the study population. For

instance, samples were selected in the following order: teaching and administrative staff -

30 samples, non-teaching cum technical staff -30, and students -240; this samples were

randomly selected from each of the stratum as elucidated above.

3.5 Instrument for Data Collection

The instrument for collecting data for this study was the questionnaire. The

questionnaire was a combination of closed-ended and open ended questions. It was

structured in such a way that the target audience would fully participate and appreciate

the data collection exercise.

The questionnaire was divided into two parts: the part A elicited information on

the personal data (demographic) of the respondents, while part B (psychographic)

focused on eliciting response to answer the research questions.

3.6 Method of Questionnaire Administration

Questionnaire to be used for the study was administered on one-on-one by the

researcher and again by proxy due to special handicap of the researcher (visual

challenge).

3.7 Method of Data Presentation and Analysis

The procedure for data presentation for this study was simple frequency

distribution table and bar chart, while simple statistical percentage was employed for data

analysis.

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.1 DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

In this chapter, the data generated in the field are presented in tables following the

research questions to ensure that answers to the burden of this research are gotten. It is

worthy to note here that a total of 300 questionnaires were circulated and collected with

100 percent returns from the respondents used for this study.

SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

4.1.1 TABLE 1: Sex Distribution of the Respondents

SEX FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Male

Female

118

182

39.7%

60.3%

Total 300 100%

Table one above shows that the total respondents of males that filled the questionnaire

have 118 constituting 39.7% of the population, while the females have whopping

majority of the samples by having 182 respondents constituting 60.3% of the population

4.1.2 TABLE 2: Questionnaire Administration Procedure

TOTAL No of questionnaire No Returned No not Returned

300 = 30:30:240 300 nil

Teaching and admin staff

Non-teaching & technical staff

Students

30 (100%)

30 (100%)

240 (100%)

-

-

-

Total 300 (100%) -

In questionnaire administration pattern, the result shows that there is 100 percent

returned. The questionnaires allocated to each of the stratum of the population were dully

collected with none missing.

4.1.3 TABLE 3: Occupation Distribution Table

CONTENT ITEMS FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Journalists/broadcasters(student)

Lecturers/Teachers

Comp.

operators/marketers(students)

Non-teaching/technical staff

Media directors

200

30

40

25

5

-

66.7

10

13.3

8.3

1.7

-

Total 300 100%

Table above shows that 200 or 66.7% of the respondents are journalists and broadcasters,

while 30 or 10% and 40 or 13.3% are lecturers/teachers and computer operators

respectively. 25 representing 8.3% of the respondents are non-teaching/technical staff.

media directors 5 representing 1.7?%.

OCCUPATION DISTRIBUTION TABLE

0

50

100

150

200

250

Content Items

Fre

qu

ency

Journalists/broadcasters(student)

Lecturers/Teachers

Comp.operators/marketers(students)

Non-teaching/technicalstaff

Media directors

4.1.4 TABLE 4: Educational Background

OPTIONS FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Diploma/OND

HND/BA/BSC

MSC/MA/Ph.D

87

193

20

29.0

64.3

6.7

Total 300 100%

The table above shows that 87 or 29.0% of the respondents are diploma/OND certificate

holders while, 193 or 64.3 of the respondents holds HND, BA and BCS certificate. 20

representing 6.7% of the respondents hold masters and doctorate degree

4.1.5 TABLE 5: Age Distribution Table

VARIABLES FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

25-35

36-45

46-above

63

174

63

21.0

58.0

21.0

Total 300 100.0

This table revealed that 63 or 21 percent of the respondents are between the ages 25 to 35

and 46 - above respectively. Then 174 respondents are within the ages of 36 and 45 years

old. This shows that among the 300 respondents, 174 constitute the whopping majority

and they are respondents within the ages of 36-45, while the respondents at 25-35 and 46

and above are having equal number respondents who fall within the outlined age bracket.

SECTION B

4.2 PSYCHOGRAPHIC DATA (Research Questions)

This section seeks to provide answer to the research questions raised in the course

of this research work. It focuses basically on the application of digital technology in

terrestrial broadcasting in Nigeria.

4.2.1 Research Question 1: What is the level of people’s awareness about digital

technology?

To answer this question, item number 8 in the questionnaire will be analysed.

TABLE 6: AUDIENCE MEMBERS AWARENESS OR KNOWLEDGE LEVEL ABOUT DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE TERRESTRIAL BROADCASTING IN NIGERIA.

VARIABLES FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Yes

No

Undecided

202

24

56

73.3%

8.0%

18.7%

Total 300 100%

The result from the table above shows that 202 or 73.3% of the respondents have

knowledge of the application of digital technology in terrestrial broadcasting in Nigeria,

while 24 or 8.0% of the respondents says they are not aware as well as 56 or 18.7% are

undecided audience. This is to say that the knowledge level of the audience on the

application of digital technology in Nigeria is high.

4.2.2 Research Question 2: How prepared is Nigeria for the application of digital

technology?

To answer this question, items number 9 and 10 in the questionnaire will be

analysed.

TABLE 7: HOW PREPARED IS NIGERIA FOR THE APPLICATION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY?

VARIABLES FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE Yes No Undecided

82 209 2

27.3% 69.7% 3.0%

Total 300 100% The result in the table above shows that 82 or 27.3% of the respondents agreed

that Nigeria will meet up the deadline of 2012 digital switch from analogue to digital

application, while 209 or 69.7% of the respondents are of the opinion that Nigeria will

not make it by 2012. 5 or 3% on the other hand are undecided respondents. The import

shows that whopping majority agreed Nigeria will not make it by 2012 whereas

insignificant numbers were positive and undecided.

TABLE 8: ASSESSMENT OF THE PEOPLES PERCEPTION OF DIGITAL

TECHNOLOGY IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

SEX FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Yes

No

Undecided

63

174

63

21.0%

58.0%

21.0%

Total 300 100%

The table above shows that 63 or 21.0% of the respondents agreed that Nigeria has all it

takes to sustain or man this new digital technology as well as being indecisive on the

topic of our discussion. The import is that, 63 or 21.0% agreed that Nigeria will benefit

from it, as 63 or 21.0% are also undecided audience on the issue. 174.58.0% of the

respondents however was of the view that Nigeria does not have sufficient man power to

man the application of this new technology. The implication therefore, is that Nigeria

does not have manpower sufficient to man this new digital technology.

4.2.3 Research Question 3: What are the measures adopted by the Nigerian

government to subsidize the high cost of digital technology and ensure the adoption

of this project in the national policy and plans?

To answer this question, item number 13 in the questionnaire will be analysed.

TABLE 9: GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TOWARDS THE SET-TOP BOXES ACQUISITION: VARIABLES FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Yes 163 64.3%

No 24 8.0%

Un 56 18.7%

Total 300 100

The result from the table above shows that 163 or 64.3% of the respondents are

aware of the government’s plan to subsidize the high cost of digital technology and the

national policy and plans in Nigeria, while 24 or 8.0% of the respondents says they are

not aware as well as 56 or 18.7% are undecided audience. This is to say that the

knowledge level of the audience on the application of digital technology in Nigeria is

high.

4.2.4 What are the steps taken by the government towards actualizing the June 2012

deadline for digital technology application in Nigeria?

To answer this question, item number 17 in the questionnaire will be analysed

Table 10: GOVERNMENT’S READINESS TO SUBSIDIZING THE COST OF

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

VARIABLES FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Yes

No

Undecided

87

193

20

29.0%

64.3%

6.7%

Total 300 100.0%

The result above shows that 87 or 29.0% of the respondents agreed that the

government of Nigeria is ready or prepared to subsidize the cost of this new digital

technology, while 173 or 64.3% of the respondents are of the view that the government is

not ready to subsidize the cost as well as 20 or 6.7% being undecided.

The import therefore is that the audience agreed that the government is not

prepared to subsidize the cost of this new digital technology for all the broadcast stations

in Nigeria to be fully digitized.

4.2.5 Research Question 5: What is people’s perception of digital technology in

contemporary broadcasting?

To answer this question, items number 12, 15 & 16 in the questionnaire will be

analysed

TABLE 11: ASSESSMENT ON THE PEOPLES PERCEPTION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

VARIABLES FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Yes

No

Unde-cided

63

174

63

21.0%

58.0%

21.0%

Total 300 100%

The table above shows that 63 or 21.0% of the respondents agreed that Nigeria has all it

takes to sustain or man this new digital technology as well as being indecisive on the

topic of our discussion. The import is that, 63 or 21.0% agreed that Nigeria will benefit

from it, as 63 or 21.0% are also undecided audience on the issue. 174.58.0% of the

respondents however was of the view that Nigeria does not have sufficient man power to

man the application of this new technology. The implication therefore, is that Nigeria

does not have manpower sufficient to man this new digital technology.

TABLE 12: SEE PEOPLE’S PERCEPTION OF THE APPLICATION OF

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA BRINGING IN GOOD

FORTUNE

VARIABLES FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Yes 291 97%

No 9 3%

Total 300 100%

From the data above, it is clear that 291 or 97% of the respondents agreed that application

of digital technology will bring good fortune to the broadcast industry. While 9 or 3%

says No.

TABLE 13: DISPOSAL TOWARDS THE APPLICATION OF THE DIGITAL

TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONN

VARIABLES FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Yes 215 71.6%

No 75 25%

Undecided 10 3.3%

Total 300 100%

Statistics above indicated that 215 or 71.6% of the respondents believed in the application

of the new digital technology in broadcasting while 75 or 25% of the respondents have a

contrary view whereas 10 or 3.3.% were indecisive.

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Application of digital technology in Nigeria terrestrial broadcasting like in many other

countries has tremendous prospects and challenges. The contextual elucidation on the

preparedness to the adoption of digital technology in terrestrial broadcasting forms the

back bone to this research. It is important to reiterate this global convergence in digital

transition from analogue to digital. Terrestrial broadcasting is driven by the international

telecommunications Union, ITU, deadline of 2015 on VHF and 2020 in UHF

respectively.

In Nigeria, 2012 has been adopted and is being championed by National Broadcasting

Commission, NBC and other regulatory bodies like the Broadcasting Organization of

Nigeria.

Nevertheless, this research work was poised to unearth the level of preparedness in

sensitization and manpower development to man this new technology. Also, the measures

taken by the government towards the cost reduction in the acquisition of the new set top

boxes (decoder) and the integration of plans and policy framework.

Power Network Society theory propounded by Professor Manuel Castells was used as the

theoretical framework to give this work a very strong theoretical foundation. This theory

was considered appropriate because it treated the three component parts of the new global

digital technology convergence.

To give this study a solid empirical elucidation, very current and relevant literatures in

the subject matter were reviewed. The literature harped such important areas of the new

technology as the evolution of digital technology in Nigeria, digital technology

experiences in different continents of the world, the challenges posed by the application

of this technology and finally, establishes the various digital technologies radio options

for Nigeria.

Survey research method was employed in gathering the relevant data to explain the

phenomenon. The quota sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents from a

population of 3000 people comprising both staff and students of FRCN Training and

Manpower Development School, Ikeja, Lagos. Questionnaire was main data collection

instrument used in the study.

Data gathered from the field work was presented using statistical instruments like

frequency distribution tables and bar charts.

On the basis of the data gathered, the researcher made some far-reaching observations

and recommendations especially in the area of low public sensitization. For instance, one

of the recommendations of is that the Nigerian public should be adequately sensitized,

informed, educated and mobilized towards the application of digital technology

implications on both the people and nation’s development.

In this chapter, the researcher shall conclude the work as well as make

recommendations on ways out of whatever challenges observed in the course of this

research work.

5.1 Conclusion

Fittingly, we have been able to look into several issues of great importance as far

as the application of digital technology in the Nigerian broadcast industry is concerned. A

critical look at this work shows that a lot is needed to be done if Nigeria will achieve the

digital switch over by 2012.

One thing to note is that Nigeria is so much gifted with human and material

resources which if harnessed would lift or hasten the place of development in our nation

as well as going a long way in addressing the problem of lopsided information flow

across the globe. Information and communication is power which is very central to life

and the survival of the human race as well as sustain contemporary society. If we must

achieve this, this research opens to us a wider or broader view to understand that a lot is

still needed to be put in place as long as the issues of the application of digital technology

in the Nigeria broadcast industry is raised. Even though the researcher used a professional

group with good understanding of what the digital technology is all about, the results

therefore, may not be used to qualify the Nigerian populace might not have heard

anything about the concept of digital technology. So, this fact is worth noting since the

topic of our discussion is all about the disposition of broadcast experts on the issue of

digital technology application in the Nigerian broadcast industry.

5.3 Recommendations

Taking cognizance of the results of this research, the researcher therefore makes

the following recommendations:

This study recommends that the Nigerian public should be adequately sensitized,

informed, educated and mobilized towards the application of digital technology

implications on both the people and nation’s development.

Enlightenment campaigns should be embarked on by the government to ensure

that the digital switchover does not take the people unawares. The import is that

appreciation of this new media technology will become more pronounced if the

consumers of media products are adequately informed and educated on the benefits and

relevance of such technology.

The cost implication of acquiring these technologies is relatively very high and

therefore need to be subsidized if the consumers of broadcast contents in Nigeria shall be

able to measure or match the required price for the acquisition of the technology. The

import is that, with these new digital technologies, the analogue radio and television will

likely become outdated and out of use. Users, in other words, need to change the already

existing ones they have or possibly buy a set-top box to be able to enjoy the new

innovation.

Adequate training is therefore recommended for broadcasters, technicians and

engineers working in the various broadcasting houses on the pros and cons of the new

digital technology. The most important thing here is that most of these people

aforementioned have just a blink knowledge and understanding of what the digital

technology is. This is because, investigations made by the researchers show that the

majority of them do misconstrue digitization for pod casting, webcasting, narrow casting,

digital automation, even some thought it is a form or part and parcel of cable and satellite

broadcasting. This is why the researcher has deemed fit for this training to be conducted

in this area. Digitization of the broadcast sector will affect our programming format and

therefore, practitioners in that area are supposed to be well groomed to be able to face the

challenges it will pose in the course of plying their day to day activities.

We further recommend that producers of broadcasting contents should invest on

broadcasting hard ware such as purchasing of the new digital equipment as in camera,

editing machine etc. The government should also step up to ensure that the digitization of

the broadcast industry in Nigeria is made a reality. The implication is that government

has great role to play in the realization of this dream. Government can come in to

subsidize the cost of procuring the equipment, and in the training of manpower to man

this new digital technology.

Digital broadcasting, nevertheless, throws up a number of issues that we believe

should not be overlooked as we must be considering models for national broadcast

management that will suit Nigeria. For instance, digitization will impact on audience

behaviour, encourage more restlessness and recourse to the remote controller to “surf”

channels. Another issue that may arise from digitization as we observed in the course of

this study is that there would be more channels than contents. This in turn, would lead to

an increase in content recycling. So, to avoid this situation, the NBC and other regulatory

agencies should be strengthened and active in the discharge of their duty by the

government. Concerning broadcast management models in Nigeria, it should be noted

that rapid advances in technologies, which result in frequent replacement of broadcast

systems, call for a constant review to ascertain if current broadcast management models

are still relevant in the broadcast markets and also meet the shifting needs and

expectations of communities, states and the nation at large.

It should be noted as well that the application of digital technology demands

comprehensive planning, adequate funding, improved know-how, infrastructural

development and aggressive content production. Therefore, Nigeria should anticipate and

tackle these challenges if she is to transit to digital broadcasting by or before the ITU

deadline of 2015.

The application of this digital technology in Nigeria will be evident, if the

government and broadcasters ensure that only quality digital ready broadcast equipment

are imported into the country. However, where there are restrictions or high tariffs,

governments should grant immediate relief, to make the digitization application process

less cumbersome and pain free for operators in the industry (Radio house, 2010, p. 14-

15).

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Department of Mass Communication University of Nigeria Nsukka, April 2010

Dear Respondent,

A REQUEST FOR COMPLETION OF QUESTIONNAIRE

I am a Post-Graduate student of the above named institution carrying a

research on The application of digital technology in terrestrial broadcasting in

Nigeria; an academic research work in the fulfillment of the requirement for the

award of Master of Arts in Mass Communication of the above institution.

Feel free to express your candid opinion as all information you provide

shall be used for no other purpose but for this research study and shall be treated

with strict confidence.

Thanks for your anticipated cooperation.

Yours Sincerely,

Okore, Moses Kalu

Instruction: tick (�) the option that is best for each of the questions in this questionnaire

noting that no answer is wrong.

SECTION A

SEX: MALE ( ) FEMALE ( )

OCCUPATION: JOURNALIST/BROADCASTER ( ) LECTURER/TEACHER ( )

COMPUTER/MARKETERS ( ) NON-TEACHING/TECHNICAL STAFF ( )

MEDIA DIRECTORS ( ) AND --------------

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: ---------------------------------

MARITAL STATUS -------------------------------

AGE STATUS: 25-35( ) 36-45( ) 46-ABOVE ( ).

WORKING EXPERIENCE:----------------------------------------------------

SECTION B

FILL THE APPROPRIATE OPTION OR MAKE COMMENT WHERE NECESSARY.

Are you conscious of the concept digital technology? Yes ( ) No ( ).

Are you aware of the digital application in Nigerian broadcast environment? Yes ( )

No ( ).

2012 has been set for all broadcast stations in Nigeria to be digitized, by your

estimation; do you think Nigeria will beat the deadline? Yes ( ) No ( )

undecided ( ).

Do you think Nigeria has the resource to achieve this digital application switchover

by 2012? Yes ( ) No ( ) can’t say ( ).

Does Nigeria have enough human / manpower capable of manning the application of

this new digital technology? Yes

( ) No ( ) Undecided ( ).

What is your disposition towards the application of this new digital technology in the

Nigerian broadcast industry? ----------------------------------------------------------------

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From your estimation; are you satisfied with the government plan towards the set-top

boxes acquisition? Yes ( ) No ( ) undecided ( ).

What is your disposition towards governmental policy plan on importation of modern

digital sets ( for instance, digital television and radio )?---------------------------------

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Do you see the application of digital technology in our broadcasting sector bringing

any fortune to the Nigerian broadcast industry? ------------------------------------------

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Do you think the application of digital technology will improve our broadcast signals to

the level of competing with the international media? --------------------------------------------

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Do you think appropriate modalities have been put in place for the actualization of the

digital technology application in Nigeria? Yes ( )

No ( ) undecided ( ).

What are your recommendations?-------------------------------------------------------------------

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