In abstract: Title, problem, literature, theory, methodology, findings and conclusions.
THE 2012 DEADLINE FOR THE DIGITIZATION OF BROADCAST STATIONS IN NIGERIA: ASSESSING THE PREPAREDNESS OF LAGOS STATIONS.
BY
IBBI, ANDREW ALI
089083026
A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION, UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF AN M.SC. DEGREE IN MASS COMMUNICATION.
DECEMBER, 2009
ABSTRACT.
This study looks at the level of preparedness of Nigerian broadcast
stations to the 2012 digitization deadline of the Federal Government. It
is an assessment of the level of readiness of some selected broadcast
stations in Lagos state. Lagos was chosen for this research because of
its dominant position as the city with the highest number of broadcast
stations in the country. The case study and survey methods were
adopted for this research. A combination of the purposive sampling
and random sampling were used to choose the eight stations (radio
and television) that were used for the study. For the survey,
probabilistic random sampling was used to arrive at the sample used.
The results of this study suggest that the government and the
broadcast stations have a lot to do in order to meet the deadline. The
broadcast stations need to improve on their manpower skills and public
enlightenment campaigns. The government would have to do a mass
enlightenment campaign on the implications of digitization and would
have to subsidize the cost of digitization equipment to ensure that the
public is carried along. Since digitization is a global phenomenon, “the
most populous black nation” must not be an island to the international
telecommunication world.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) conference
held on 16 June 2006 in Geneva, Switzerland, gave birth to the
agreement to switch over from analogue to digital broadcasting in
Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The
new digital plan provides not only possibilities for structured
development of digital terrestrial broadcasting but sufficient flexibilities
for adaptations to the changing telecommunication technology.
The process of digitization involves sampling analogue audio or
video signals at a specific time interval and converting and converting
the continuous analogue waveform to a series of digital pulses. The
development of the technology needed to digitize the analogue signal
has brought about a marriage of information technology and the
computer industry.
The inherent flexibility offered by digital terrestrial broadcasting
will support mobile reception of video, internet and multimedia data,
making applications, services and information accessible and usable
anywhere at any time. The agreement reached at the end of the 2006
ITU conference in Geneva was that the year 2015 be set as the
deadline for the complete switch over from analogue to digital
broadcasting worldwide.
In view of the numerous advantages associated with digital
broadcasting, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji
Umar Musa Yar’Adua approved the commencement of the transition
from analogue to digital broadcasting in Nigeria with effect from
December 2007.
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) organized a
stakeholders’ conference on digitization and its implications on 3 June
2008 at the Sheraton Hotel Abuja. The conference had over 400
participants from several African countries including Kenya, Mauritius
and South Africa in attendance. A seventeen point communiqué was
issued at the end of the conference. Apart from agreeing that Nigeria
should join the ITU’s deadline of 2015 so that it will not be left behind,
parts of the recommendations suggest that government should provide
the necessary and enabling infrastructure. It was also recommended
that a sustained free enlightenment campaign be mounted by all
broadcasting stations in Nigeria to adequately sensitize the populace
on the full implications of the digitization process.
The 2015 deadline was moved by the Federal Government to
December 2012 to show how serious the government is over the
digitization matter. The government also announced that by 2009,
Nigerians will be enlightened on digitization and its implications
through a massive awareness campaign by the Federal Government.
1.1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.
Because of the significance of the digitization project to the British
government, Starks (2004:14) stated thus “The benefits of the digital
switch over are such that the government decided to invest to the
policy in 2003 the sum of 2.3 billion dollars”.
Kenya, South Africa and Mauritius have been short listed as the
African countries that have shown commitment to the digitization time
table(www.en.wikipedia.org)
In 2007, the Presidential Advisory committee on digitization was
inaugurated in Nigeria by the Federal Government (www.nbc.gov.ng).
Despite the commitment of the government to the committee, it only
submitted its report in July 2009.
According to SADIBA Report (2009), South Africa is working round
the clock to digitize the 2010 world cup coming up in the country.
Research has revealed that because of the expensive nature of digital
equipments, the United States government has made funds available
to help the citizens purchase the equipments in their homes.
According to Onwubuariri (2008) “Failure to join the global
movement may spell doom, including outright cut off from the rest of
the world”. Experts are even of the opinion that if Nigeria fails to
digitize by 2015, our analogue equipment will no longer comply with
the rest of the world’s digital equipment, and the country may become
a dumping ground for obsolete analogue equipment.
The digitization deadline set by the Federal Government is just
three years away. Since we are living in a global village, Nigeria cannot
afford to be left behind in the global digitization policy. This is the third
quarter of 2009, has there been any massive sensitization campaign as
recommended by the government? Up till now, there is no accurate
statistics available on the level of the country’s broadcast stations. The
level of awareness of Nigerians on digitization is not known. This
research intends to shed more light on these areas.
1.2 RESEARCH QUESTIONS.
This research will find answers to the following research
questions:
1. What are the requirements for digitization?
2. Do Nigerian broadcast stations have the skilled manpower to run the
digital equipment?
3. What is the level of awareness of Nigerians regarding the
implications of digitization?
4. What are the Implications of digitization for the entire society?
5. What is the level of preparedness of each of the selected stations?
6. Is there a relationship between the ownership of a broadcast station
and the level of digitization?
1.3. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES.
The study will achieve the following objectives:
1 To assess the level of readiness of Nigerian broadcast stations with
respect to the 2012 deadline.
2 To check the level of awareness of Nigerians on digitization and its
implications.
3 To discover loopholes (if any) that will threaten the attainment of the
2012 deadline so as to make suggestions that will nip them in the bud.
4 To find out if Nigerian broadcast stations have the trained personnel
to enhance the smooth operation of the digital broadcasting
equipments.
5 To check if the equipments imported are of the specified standard.
6 To serve as a stepping stone for other researchers in the future to
build upon.
1.4 JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY.
With African countries like Kenya and South Africa drawing up a
transition to digitization timetable and sticking to it, a research to find
out how far Nigeria has gone with its timetable is necessary, especially
considering the fact that the deadline given by the Federal
Government is three years away.
1.5 SCOPE OF STUDY
The scope of the study will be broadcast stations and respondents
within Lagos alone. Lagos was chosen because it has more than 90%
of the broadcast stations in the country (www.nbc.gov.ng).
DEFINITION OF TERMS.
ANALOGUE : Any continuous signal for which the time varying
variable of the signal is a representation some other time varying
quantity.
DIGITAL: An electrical process that enables information to be coded
into a series of on or off pulses of current.
DIGITIZATION: Representing an analogue signal by a discrete set of
its sample.
DIGITALISATION: Same as digitization.
DIGITAL BROADCASTING: Away of sending signals (pictures and
sound) to an aerial so that the signals will be compressed or squeezed
to take up less space than an analogue signal. The process is
enhanced by the use of computers.
DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL BROADCASTING: An implementation of
digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and better
quality of picture and sound using aerial broadcast instead of satellite
or cable connection.
DIGITIZATION DEADLINE: The date set by broadcast regulatory
bodies for a total switch over from analogue to digital
broadcasting.2015 is the global deadline while 2012 is the deadline set
by Nigeria.
INTERLACED SCANNING: The process of building a picture line by
line in two scans of the television’s electronic beam. The electronic
beam sweeps the picture tube twice, creating half the image’s lines in
the first pass and filling the gaps in the second.
MULTIPLEXING: The use of digitization by broadcast stations to
devide their channels.
PROGRESSIVE SCANNING: The process of building a picture line by
line in one scan of the television’s electronic beam.
SET TOP BOX: A receiver that will decode the digital signal to enable
the channels to be displayed on an analogue television set.
SPECTRUM SCARCITY: Description of the environment of analogue
television broadcasting with a limited number of channels.
SWITCH OVER: The planned switch off of analogue television in
Nigeria in 2012 when all the viewers will need to have access to digital
television.
WAVEFORM: The shape and form of a signal such as a wave moving
in a medium.
REFERENCES
Branston, G and Stafford, R(2006) The Media Student’s Book. London:
Routledge.(pg 537)
Bordwell, D and Thompson, K (2001) Film Art: An Introduction. New
York: McGraw Hill. (pp 429-434)
Craft, J.E et al (2001) Electronic Media. California: Wardsworth(pp 283-
284,360-376)
Dominick, J. R and Wimmer, R. D (1987) Mass Media Research : An
Introduction. California: Wardworth. (pp 14-49)
Haralambos, M et al (2004) Sociology, Themes and Perspectives.
London:Collins.(pp 930-934)
Onwubuariri, P(2008)Television Digitalization :What impact on
Nigerians? http//www.triumphnews.com/tel2372008
SADIBA Report (2009) Analogue to Digital Migration Strategy for South
Africa. http//www.sadiba.co.za
Starks, M(2004) The Digital Television
Project.http//www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk (pp 14-16)
http//www.nbc.gov.ng/digitizationhttp//www.en.wikipedia.org/
digitization
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 INTRODUCTION
The digitization of analogue broadcasting signal is one of the most
significant changes in the broadcast environment to meet the current
conventional trend of digital electronics and flow of global information.
Fidler (1997:89) said “all forms of electronic communication are
converging through digital formats, computer mediated
communication now applies to newspapers, telephone systems,
broadcasting, film production as well as the internet.”Until the 1990s,
each medium of production was seen to involve distinct industrial
processes: film, television, radio, newspaper, magazine, music
recording etc.
Branston and Stafford (2006:211) agree with this statement by
saying “now we commonly refer to the convergence of different
industrial processes so that similar activities are common to more than
one media industry. The main technological engine for this
development is digital media production.”
The process of digitization has immense benefits to the
computing ideals. According to McQuail (2000:16)”it allows information
of all formats to be carried with the same efficiency.”
This chapter is a review of books, journals and other sources of
information in print on digitization and its introduction to the Nigerian
broadcast industry. It also contains the theoretical framework to the
research.
2.1 DIGITIZATION OF BROADCASTING, GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE.
According to McQuail (2000:16-34)”the more technology
advances, the more converged the realm of mass media will become
with less need for traditional communication technology.”
Branston and Strafford (2006:421) said “digital transmission
and digital distribution systems have undoubtedly changed the media
environment significantly in music and broadcasting.”
Hamelink (1995) in Nwosu and Soola (2007:66) said
“digitization is one of the four major trends in world communication,
interacting and interlocking with consolidation, deregulation and
globalization”. He noted that further that it facilitates the global
trading of services, worldwide financial networks and the spreading of
high technology research and development across the globe.
Eastman and Ferguson (2002:241) said”digitization of
communication provides tremendous increases in usable bandwidth. It
means better quality pictures and eventually, high definition
television.”
Belmont (2001:284) concurs by saying “by converting the
traditional analogue communication signals to digital, several
advantages can be realized.”
Potter(2005:185) said “digitization has made economies of
scope even more attractive because it creates little cost to transmit a
message in many different channels.”
Digital technology was first applied to television to create
special effects that were not possible using analogue technology. The
analogue images were made digital, allowing the picture to be blown
up, shrunk and twisted. Spears (2009:40).
According to www.ict.int, “digital audio broadcasting (DAB)
first started to be developed in Germany in the 1980s.”
www.ellies.com (2009) said “the main reason for the migration
to digital broadcasting is to release valuable spectrum which can be
used for other services.”The website further explained that spectrum is
scarce, hence more efficient use of the spectrum is required so that
more terrestrial telecommunication services can be made valuable.
The site gave the following countries as those that have advanced in
their migration process: Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, New
Zealand, Sweden, France, and Mauritius.
According to www.en.wikipedia.org (2009), the United
Kingdom started its digitization switchover in 1998 and has set 2010 as
its deadline. New Zealand started in April 2008 and intends to achieve
75% digital penetration by 2012. Sweden started in 1999 and fixed
2007 as its deadline. The USA started in 1998 and has switched over
this year. France started in 2005 and intends to switch over by 2011.
The ITU Report (2009) said “The United Kingdom government
has stated preconditions for switch over and considers progress
towards meeting these by the target timescale between 2006-2010.”
Digital broadcasting denotes a broadcasting system where
the broadcasting signal is digitized. Eastman and Ferguson (2002:242)
said “the digital signal at the end users’ site can be fed directly into
the integrated digital receivers, or in a transition period through what
is called a set-top-box (in case of television) to a regular analogue
television receiver.”
According to ITU Report (2009) “the services that will be feasible in the
digital broadcasting network will go beyond television and radio and
encompass a range of new services like: enhanced text tv, download of
software, download of newspapers, e-commerce and internet on
television.”
Martinis (2009) said “the option to go digital has been taken, policies
have been developed to manage migration from analogue to digital.”
Starks (2004:43) said “the region by region process of switching the
terrestrial transmitters means that compulsory switch over will take
place in different years for different parts”.
OFCOM’s Report (2004) said
shutting down analogue TV services will only be
a realistic possibility if there is support for the
objective of switch over itself. Such support is
currently limited….Public suspicion might not last
long, especially if attitudes are addressed by an
effective and well coordinated public information
campaign.
ITU Report (2006) said “digital technologies are now transmitting high
resolution images of soccer world cup from Germany to fans around
the world”. This is an indication that the broadcast industry in Germany
has been digitized as far back as 2006.
Experts the world over agree that the global switch over is an
expensive venture, which will affect a majority of people all over the
world in terms of cost and ability to receive broadcast signals.
Onwubuariri (2008) said “the United states government is giving out
vouchers for set top boxes to families to help mitigate the cost.”
While commenting on the cost of digitization in the United Kingdom,
Starks (2004:12) said “the cost benefit analysis now indicates that the
net present value of completing switch over by the end of 2012 is of
the order of 2.3 billion pounds.”Other countries are coming up with
ways to guarantee the success of digitization in their respective
countries.
2.2 DIGITIZATION OF BROADCASTING IN AFRICA.
According to www.tcrza.go.tz (2008),”the treaty signed by delegates
from African countries at the 2006 Radio Communication Conference in
Geneva represents a major landmark in digitizing broadcasting in
Africa.”
ITU Report (2007) said “the new digital plan, based on broadcasting
standard covers a wide area of the world including Europe, Caribbean
countries, Africa, the Middle east and the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
To this effect, different African countries have designed their own
transition from analogue to digital broadcasting timetable. The ITU
Report listed Kenya, Mauritius, Tanzania, South Africa and Nigeria as
the countries that have come up with a feasible digitization timetable.
However, www.en.wikipedia(2009) listed Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa
and morocco as countries that are committed to their digitization
timetable.
As part of the observations to stakeholders in a meeting on digitization
held at the Sheraton Hotel Abuja in 2008, it was noted that “poor
African participation in the ITU conferences and activities had
adversely affected the process of digitization on the continent.”
SADIBA Report (2002:3) had these fears for South Africa’s digitization
timetable ”the digital broadcasting proposition does not pass the
accessibility, affordability and take-up criteria with over whelming
results.” Seven years after this report, it was obvious that the South
African government acted on the terms of the report. While submitting
the report of the Presidential Advisory Committee on digitization in
2009 in Abuja, Nigeria, the Director General of the NBC, Yomi
Bolarinwa said “here in Africa, Morocco and Kenya have gone far, while
South Africa is planning to transmit the world cup 2010 matches on the
digital platform.”
The Rapporteurs’ Report (2001:37) stated thus “the broadcasting
technologies in predominant use in Africa for production of
programmes are analogue.”The report continued by saying “it is sad
that owing to lack of appropriate technologies to provide on location
reporting, many of the continent’s crucial happenings either go
unreported in good time or end up being covered by foreign media
corps, whose news slant may not bring out what is of importance to
our people and their needs.”
Branston and Stafford(2006:500) said ”equipment designed for
broadcast use in North America, western Europe and Japan will not
necessarily perform efficiently in tropical conditions.”
The 2008 stakeholders meeting on digitization of broadcasting in Africa
held in Abuja, Nigeria advised Nigerian entrepreneurs to participate in
the assembling or manufacturing of decoders locally. According to the
stakeholders, this will prevent outsiders from hijacking the advantage.
Eastman and Ferguson (2002:421) have a different fear for Africa as
far as the digitization of broadcasting is concerned. They said”local
producers in Africa have other problems too, such as training and
equipment.”
The Rapporteurs’ Report(2001:43)said “most of the broadcast
engineering staff in the continent are skilled in analogue broadcasting
and are often faced with the limitation of tight work schedules and
therefore cannot easily further their knowledge.” The report further
stated “part of the responsibility for a successful migration to digital
broadcasting will be a task a task for broadcast engineers.”
Eastman and Ferguson (2002:423) said “training needs to be on the
job on expensive broadcast quality equipment and with reliable
electricity.”In Africa, electricity and water are a mirage to majority of
the cities and rural areas let alone expensive digital equipment.
Smuts (2001:37) in the Rapporteurs’ Report (2001) confirms this
assertion by saying “African countries have not yet achieved universal
access for television. This is so because of the level of poverty in the
continent and the poor state of electricity in both the urban and rural
areas.”
Eastman and Ferguson (2002:500) round it up
for Africa by saying
at present, going digital demands a much more
complex infrastructure with expensive technical
characteristics that the public will have to pay
for. African policy makers have to step in to
cushion the effects of digitization on the mostly
poor populace.
2.3 NIGERIA AND THE DIGITIZATION OF BROADCASTING.
According to an article on the site of the Federal Ministry of Information
in 2009 titled, Standards of Digitization, the minister of information
Professor Dora Akunyili said ”there is no going back on the 2012
deadline for transition from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting
in line with international standards.”
www.nbc.gov.ng(2009) said “the transition from analogue to digital
broadcasting is in line with global trend.”
Onwubuariri (2009)further explained thus “our analogue equipment
will no longer comply with the rest of the world’s digital equipment and
our country may become a dumping ground for obsolete analogue
equipment.”
According to www.nbc.gov.ng(2009), “the president and commander in
chief of the federal republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Umar Musa Yar’Adua
approved the commencement of the transition from analogue to digital
broadcasting in Nigeria with effect from December 2007.
The Director General of the NBC, Yomi Bolarinwa said”by implication,
this has placed a heavy responsibility on us in the mass media in
educating and sensitizing Nigerians on the implications on
digitization.”
One of the points in the communiqué issued at the end of the 2008
stakeholders’ meeting on digitization in Abuja reads “a sustained, free
enlightenment campaign be mounted by all the broadcasting stations
in Nigeria to, sensitise the populace on the full implications of the
transiting from analogue to digital broadcasting.”
www.nbc.gov.ng (2008) said “the commission would embark on
serious public enlightenment programmes to educate Nigerians on the
proposed digitization.”
The NBC website stated that Nigeria has attained 98% digitization in
cable broadcasting. This could be attributed to the private sector
participation in the industry which was brought about by liberalization
policy. According to Onwubuariri (2008)” the more than 200 television
stations in the country currently use the analogue terrestrial mode of
broadcasting.”
Ogah(2007:193) has this position “Nigeria is still lagging behind in
technological advancement and cannot be said to compete favorably
with other countries of the world….”
SCITECH 360(2009) said “if Nigerian broadcast organizations are to
survive, remain relevant and effectively compete in the new order,
stakeholders need to ensure that Nigeria’s broadcast content be made
competitive especially in terms of quality.”
Ogah (2007:194) quoted Mbachu (2003) thus
since the development of technology and its
effective application are both functions of a given
society’s level of economic and social
development, the ability of the Nigerian mass
media to absorb and to deeply recent advances in
technology has been hampered by the country’s
continuing underdevelopment.
www.nbc.gov.ng (2009) said “there are no fewer than 24 million
television sets in Nigerian households today.”Looking at the country’s
population of about 140 million and considering the close to five
decades of television in Nigeria, one could say the figure is negligible.
2.3.1 HISTORY OF BROADCASTING IN NIGERIA.
A. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT IN TELEVISION
BROADCASTING.
In this segment, more reference will be made to television because the
technological advancements and challenges in broadcasting are more
on the side of television than radio.
According to Sotunmbi (1996:172-176), the first television station in
Nigeria was the western Nigeria television (WNTV) Ibadan which was
established in 1959. A few months after the commissioning of WNTV,
its sister radio station, western Nigeria Broadcasting service followed.
In 1960, the eastern Nigeria television (ENTV) was established. In
1962, Radio/Television Kaduna (RTK) came into being. In the same
year, the federal government owned television station; Nigerian
Television Service (NTS) was established.
As the administrative structure changed with the subdivision of the
country into smaller units in 1967, 1976, 1987 and 1991, so did
television stations proliferate, with nearly every new state asserting its
constitutional right to own and run a station.
According to Sotunmbi (1996:175) “the most significant development
in Nigerian broadcasting since its advent in 1932, is perhaps the
promulgation of Decree No.2 of 1992, which formally established the
National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).”
This decree gave birth to the deregulation of the broadcasting
industry. Shortly after it came into being, the NBC issued fourteen
licenses to private to private operators, mostly domestic television
broadcast via terrestrial transmitters. Additional licenses were released
to several cable satellite companies for redistribution of signals of
foreign cable television stations. In 1995, the NBC granted the first
direct satellite television broadcast licence to a private electronic
media company, DAAR Communications limited, owners of the
commercially successful independent radio station, Ray Power. In
1996, a similar licence was approved for another electronic media
operator, Minaj Systems Limited.
B. HISTORY OF TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSITION IN TELEVISION.
Television has undergone several technological changes since it came
into Nigeria in 1959. According to www.nbc .gov.ng, untill the 1960s;
television broadcasting in the country was in black and white. This was
because very few stations could afford the then global technology of
colour broadcasting. The situation changed in the 1970s when Benue
Plateau Television started colour television in Africa in 1975.gradually,
the colour television era evolved with a cutting edge technological
innovation that gave a new face to broadcasting.
Today, satellite, internet and broadband transmissions have made it
possible for television signals to be transmitted live from one part of
the world to another. A good number of Nigerian homes now watch
cable and satellite television.
According to www.ngrguardiannews.com (2009)”today, what is in
vogue is digital broadcasting and Nigeria with all her records in
broadcasting must not be left behind.”
According to SCITECH 360(2009),
digital television broadcast is either of two
formats, namely: High Definition Television
(HDTV) and Standard Definition Television
(SDTV).broadcasters choose the SDTV over the
HDTV because the SDTV format allows for easy
subdivision of digital television channels, thereby
providing multiple feeds of entirely different
programming on the same channel.
2.3.2 CHALLENGES OF DIGITIZATION.
The stakeholders meeting in 2008 observed that “the transition to
digital broadcasting has its challenges such as cost of provision of set
top boxes, paucity of digital sets, low level of content creation, poor
power supply and public ignorance of the implications of the
digitization.”
Here in Nigeria, there are so many challenges that the switch over
deadline will face. The following are some of the challenges of
digitization.
A.POWER
The official power generating capacity in Nigeria has been placed at
5000 mega watts (www.ngrguardiannews.com). Critics are of the
belief that the actual generating capacity is around 3000 mega
watts (www.allafrica.com). One of the points in the communiqué
that was issued at the end of the stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja in
2008 says “the government should find a quick solution to the
perennial power problem in the country to avoid jeopardising the
digitization process.”
For a country as large as Nigeria, the power generating capacity
that would be sufficiently meet the needs of the country stands at
above 16000 mega watts(www.allafrica.com). Hence, 5000 mega
watt is grossly inadequate.
B.TRAINING.
The FES/ITU/URTNA Symposium (2001) stated that “the most of the
broadcast engineering staff in Africa are skilled in analogue
television.” The report further went on to say “broadcast engineers
and technologists form a critical component in the design and
deployment of the migration strategy to digital broadcasting.”
A point in the communiqué issued at the end of the stakeholders’
meeting in Abuja in 2008 reads “the government and operators of
broadcasting stations in the country should commence without
delay, the training or retraining of their engineering staff on the
operation and maintenance of the incoming digital equipment.”
According to Sotunmbi (1996:180)”for the stations in Nigeria,
investment in new technology should be accomplished with regular
training and re orientation of staff to upgrade their skills and to
reduce the time drudgery of the process and improve efficiency.”
Obazele (1996:144) brought out the significance of training in
broadcasting by saying
“the issue of training or improving the workers is very essential.
Given the rapid expansion and development in the media industry,
the sky is the limit for those who have the training and expertise.”
Eastman and Ferguson (2002:200) said “broadcast engineers and
technologists in Africa are only knowledgeable in the handling and
maintenance of analogue equipment. this is a setback to the
digitization project in the continent.”
Obazele (1996:144) is concerned with engineers and technicians in
smaller broadcast stations scattered across Nigeria. He said “poor
educational background of some employees in most sections of the
broadcast industry has no doubt retarded the growth the media
would have enjoyed, hence, training is imperative.”
C.EQUIPMENT
Ogah (2007:193) said “however, Nigeria is still lagging behind in
technological advancement and the information and cultural
heritage across the globe.”
Sotunmbi (1996:179) decried the obsolete state of broadcast
equipment in Nigeria by saying “Nigerian crews, on foreign
assignment, often discover that their bulky, obsolete camera-chairs,
stand out in the crowd and are incompatible with modern editing
facilities available on location.”
Sotunmbi (1996:179) said
more significant are the rapid changes in
technology, from the vacuum tube to transistor
and finally to solid state. At every stage, Nigeria
and other technological backward countries
remained at the receiving end, hanging on to old
and obsolete equipment.
D. POVERTY.
According to Onwubuariri (2008), digital television manufacturers
estimate that a set top box will sell for between 80 dollars and 100
dollars (N10,000 and N12,000).While the price of digital television
set, a liquid crystal display(LCD) is in the range of 600 dollars and
2000 dollars(N70,800 and N236,000).Considering the level of
poverty in the country, most Nigerians might not own digital
television set on their own.
One of the recommendations at the end of the stakeholders’
meeting on digitization in Abuja says”the interest of the majority
poor people of Nigeria should be considered in the process of
digitization.”
Maduka, a former Director General of the Nigeria Television
Authority,(NTA ) while reacting to the issue on the digitization
deadline and the cost of digital television said ”these figures are
going to remain outside the capability of most Nigerians who
currently own regular analogue colour television
sets(www.ngrguardiannews.com).
SCITECH 360(2009) said
One of the greatest fears for consumers is the
financial implications of the switch over from
analogue to digital broadcasting. Questions abound
from how much various services and equipment will
cost to whether it will be within the purchasing power
of most consumers.
E. CONSUMER AWARENESS EDUCATION.
SCITECH 360(2009) said “Public understanding and acceptance are
crucial to the success of the migration from analogue to digital
broadcasting.” SADIBA Report (2009:21)said “ the consumers need
well designed, well timed and well funded information on the need
for and the benefits of the migration.”
The KENYA Report(2008:30) said “the content of consumer
education must include: the period of migration, switchover dates,
policy issues, financial implications, quality of services ,conversion,
reception problems, coverage and recording alternatives. Education
must also emphasize the benefits of the consumers.”
The need for the enlightenment was further emphasized by the ITU
Report (2006) “lack of understanding may cause consumers to
discard their analogue television sets.”Consumer enlightenment is
very important as it will get the consumers’ minds prepared for the
task ahead.
2.3.3 DIGITIZATION STANDARDS.
The ITU Report of (2006) gave the following standards as the required
standards for digital terrestrial television and digital terrestrial radio.
A.DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL TELEVISION.
According to Starks (2002:2) “digital terrestrial television is the
implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of
channels, especially when using standard definition television or /and
better quality pictures.”
According to the ITU Report (2006), the main technology standards for
digital terrestrial television are:
i.Advanced Television System Commiter (ATSC) standard in North
America
ii. Integrated Digital Broadcasting Television (ISDB-T) Standard for
Japan.
iii. Digital Video Broadcasting Television(DVB-T)Standard for Africa.
B.DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL RADIO.
Digital terrestrial radio is commonly known as Digital Audio
Broadcasting (DAB).According to ITU Report (2006), the technology
used includes Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) globally in the medium
wave and short wave bands.
The ITU Report (2006) gave these as standards for digital terrestrial
radio.
i.In Band On Channel(IBOC) Standard for North America.
ii. Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting (ISDB-TSB) in Japan.
iii. EUREKA 147in Europe, Canada and parts of Asia.
iv. Terrestrial Digital Audio Broadcasting(T-DAB) Standard in Asia.
The Kenya Report(2008:45) said”the T-DAB standard and its
introduction is not considered as a transition but as an introduction of
a new service as it is planned and designed to use 174-230 MHZ
frequency band.”
2.3.4 IMPLICATIONS OF DIGITIZATION.
Branston and Stafford (2006:5) said”the official switch off date for the
world’s analogue broadcasting has major consequences for several
media industries.”
The Kenya Report (2008:38) gave the following as the implications of
digitization of broadcasting in Africa.
1.The cost of acquiring digital equipment and television sets is beyond
the reach of the common man. This may lead to people not embracing
the policy. Unless the government comes in with funds to assist the
poor as it has been done by governments of developed countries like
the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
2. Lack of proper enlightenment may lead to people abandoning their
analogue sets.As SCITECH 360(2008) puts it “consumers need to be
assured that their analogue sets will continue to work after the switch
over deadline.”
3. Since digital broadcasting will include multi faceted services through
satellite, terrestrial television, cable, broad band among other forms,
there are tendencies of consumer exploitations through unfair market
practices.
4. As stated by Craft et al (2001:284),”currently, there is not enough
spectrum space in each AM and FM frequency assignment to allow
digital broadcasting.” The Kenya Report (2008:38) said “neighbouring
African countries must have to go in to agreement so as to prevent
digital channels in one country affecting existing analogue stations in
other countries.”
5. Given that quite a number of countries are in the process of
implementing the digital switch over, there is real danger of the old
television sets and sub standard antennae and aerials being shipped
from countries abroad to Nigeria. There by turning the country in to a
dumping ground for obsolete analogue equipment.
6. From an environmental point of view, some of the equipment that
might be discarded by consumers due to ignorance and the obsolete
ones shipped from overseas might constitute environmental hazard to
Nigerians.
2.3.5 ADVANTAGES OF DIGITIZATION.
The Kenya Report (2008:41) gave the following as the advantages of
digitization.
i.Audience have a greater variety of programmes to choose from.
ii. Audience may access value added services or multimedia content as
digital broadcasting also caters for supplementary and/or
complementary data content. Therefore, audiences would be able to
access additional interactive services e.g. TV guides, news and
information, educational content and games.
iii. Better quality of pictures and sound.
iv. Content enhancement for people with disabilities.
v. Easier access to regional broadcasts with stronger local content in
terms of geographic and language distribution.
vi. Simple installation and operation. No dish antenna required.
2.3.6 DISADVANTAGES OF DIGITIZATION.
The Kenya report (2008:43) gave the following as the disadvantages of
digitization.
i.High cost receiver sets and equipment.
ii. No perceived advantages from the general public for the additional
cost. Therefore,the public awareness campaign is likely to be costly
due to the quality of awareness as well as the length of the awareness
campaign.
iii. A poor audience take up has a negative influence on the success of
the digital broadcasting.
A REVIEW OF EMPIRICAL STUDIES RELATED TO DIGITIZATION
According to www.itu.int(2006),prior to the June 16 2006 conference
that led to the adoption of the 2015 deadline for worldwide digitization,
the ITU held a conference with the aim of findings ways to improve the
quality of broadcasting in the world. The report stated that ”the first
session of this conference (RRC-04) took place in May 2004 and
established a solid, comprehensive and technical basis for the
agreement, including the framework for the intersessional studies.”The
report quoted Pham Nhu Hai of the Radio Communication Bureau at
ITU thus “digital technologies are now transmitting high resolution
images of the 2006 soccer world cup from Germany to fans around the
world...”
The head of the ITU research team of 2006,Kavouss Arasteh said “the
process of digitization is a complex process comprising voluminous
computational calculations and data processing tasks, electronic
document handling and the use of five international languages.”
According to Starks (2004), a research on digitization, conducted by
the British Government in 2004.The project was called the Digital
Television Project and was headed by Michael Starks. The research
considered the following indices while trying to assess the level of
readiness of the United Kingdom for digital television. The indices are:
manpower training, economy, consumer education, content
development, digital technology and legal framework.
In 2001, the South African Digital Broadcasting Association (SADIBA)
while assessing the process of digitization in South Africa. It added two
more indices to the six that was later used by Britain. The addition are:
power supply and level of education of the audience .The research
discovered that as of 2001, South Africa scored less than 1 percent in
terms of digitization.
A follow up research conducted by the organisation in 2011 found out
that by December 2008, South Africa will be 75 per cent ready for
digitization. The research pointed out consumer education and content
development as key areas that must be improved upon.
According to a research conducted by the Federal Communication
Commission (FCC) in the United States of America in 2008,”by January
2009, the USA will be 70 percent ready for digitization. By June 2009, it
will be 100 percent ready.”
Research conducted in Kenya by a team of experts from the ITU
revealed that Kenya is committed to its switchover time table. The
International online Journal of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (2008)
said “Kenya is 40 percent ready. There is no doubt that it will be one of
the first African countries to switchover completely from analogue to
digital broadcasting by 2015.”
In Nigeria, the report of the presidential task force on digitization of
broadcasting was submitted to the Federal Government in July,
2009.The report is still unavailable for public consumption.
2.4 THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK.
Marshall McLuhan’s Technological Determinism theory is the
supporting theory for this study. This is because the transition from
analogue to digital broadcasting suites the provisions of the theory.
According to Ching (2006:2),”though radio and television still place
themselves among the world’s most widely influential forms of media
today, sophisticated ones have surfaced in the past decade.”
Ching (2006:2) said” according to McLuhan, the dominant media of an
era determine the basis of social organisation.
McQuail (2005:234) gave the following as the key points in the
Technological Determinism theory.
1. Communication technology is fundamental to society.
2. Each technology has a bias to particular communication forms,
contents and uses.
3. The sequence of invention and application of communication
technology influences social change.
4. Communication revolution leads to social revolutions.
Ching (2006:1) said “according to Marshall McLuhan, the medium is
the message.”
Grint (1991:60) said “technological determinism considers technology
to be an exogenous and autonomous development which coerces and
determines social and economic organisations and relationships.”
Haralambos et al (2004:629) explained further saying “it therefore has
a direct impact on such things as the extent to which workers are
alienated, and class relationship in society as a whole.
It therefore means that the transition from analogue to digital
broadcasting is a further revolution in the broadcast media. Hence, this
transition will enhance better reception and understanding of the
messages that the audiences receive through the digital media.
REFERENCES.
Anaeto,S. G et al (2008) Models of Theories of Communication.
Maryland: Concept Publications.(pp190-196)
Abbas, J. (2009) Nigeria: Transiting from Analogue Pains to Digital
Gains: http//www.allafrica.com.
Branston, G. and Stafford, R. (2006) The Media Students’ Book.
London: Routledge. (pp 5-500)
Ching, A (2006) Communication Theories: Technological determinism:
www.wongkeenhing.com.
(pp 1-2)
Craft, J.E et al(2001) Electronic Media. California: Wardsworth.(p 284)
Dare, O and Uyo, A (eds) (1996) Journalism in Nigeria: Issues and
Perspectives. Ikeja: Cargo Compass.
Grint, K (1991) The Sociology of Work: An Introduction. Cambridge:
Polity Press (p 60)
Eastman, S.T and Ferguson, D. A (2002) Broadcast/Cable/Web
Programming Strategies and Practices. Belmont:Wardsworth.(220-252)
Fidler, R(1997) Mediamorphosis: Understanding New Media. California:
Pire Forge Press.(p 89)
Haralambos, M et al (2004) Sociology, Themes and Perspectives.
London: Collins.(pp 624-899)
Mcquail, D (2000) Mcquail’s Theory of Mass Communication. London:
Sage. (pp 16-34)
Mcquail, D (2005) Mcquail’s Theory of Mass Communication. London:
Sage. (p 234)
Martini, D. (2001) Preparing for Digital Broadcasting:
http//www.itu.int/digitization conference in Kenya
Ogah, I. A (2007) Re-appraisal of The Development Media Theory and
Its Implications to the Nigerian Broadcast Technology in Globalizating
World in Nwosu, I. E and Soola, D.E. Communication in Global ICT and
Ecosystem Perspectives-Insight from Nigeria . Enugu: Precision. p(153)
Nwosu, I.E. and Soola, O.E (eds) (2007) Communication in Global ICTs
and Ecosystem Perspectives-Insight From Nigeria. Enugu: Precision.
Obazele, P(1996) Challenges of Radio Journalism and Management of
Broadcasting in Nigeria in Dare, O and Uyo, A Journalism in Nigeria:
issues and Perspectives. Ikeja: Cargo Compass.(pp 142-144)
Onwubuariri, P (2008) Television Digitization: What Impact on
Nigerians? : http//www.triumphnews.com/tel2372008.
Potter, J.W (2005) Media Literacy. Thousand Oaks: Sage.(p 185)
SADIBA Report (2002) Analogue to Digital Migration Strategy for South
Africa : http//www.sadiba.co.za
SADIBA Report (2009) Analogue to Digital Migration Strategy for South
Africa: http//www.sadiba.co.za
Spears, W (2009) Digitization of Broadcasting: http//ellies.com (p40)
Smuts, K (2001) Digital Broadcasting Advisory Board in South Africa in
Rapporteurs’ Report(2001):http//www.itu.int.(p36)
Sotunmbi, B (1996) The Challenges of Television Journalism in Dare, O
and Uyo, A. Journalism in Nigeria: issues and Perspectives. Ikeja: Cargo
Compass.(172-176)
Starks, M (2004) The Digital Television Project:
http//www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk.(pp12-43)
The OFCOM’S Report (2004):http//www.ofcom.com/digital broadcasting
in Africa
The SCITECH Report (2008)Digitalization of Broadcasting in Nigeria:
http//www.scitech.com/digital terrestrial broadcasting.
The Rapporteurs’ Report (2001):http//www.itu.int
The ITU Report (2006):http//www.itu.int/digital terrestrial broadcasting
The ITU Report (2009):http//www.itu.int/ict/regulation toolkits
The Kenya Report (2008) Report of the Task Force on Migration of
Terrestrial Television from Analogue to Digital Broadcasting in Kenya:
http//www.cck.go.ke/migration_digital tv
The Tanzania Report (2009)Report on Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting
in Tanzania: http//www.tcra.go.tz/digital broadcasting
http//ministryofpower.gov.ng/phcn.
http//ministryofinformaion.gov.ng/standards/digitalization
http//www.nbc.gov/road to digitization
http//en.wikipedia.org/digitization
http//en.wikipedia.org/digital terrestrial broadcasting
http//www.allafrica.com/stakeholders’ communiqué on digitization of
broadcasting in Nigeria http//www.ngrguardiannews.com/implications
of digitization in Nigeria
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.0 INTRODUCTION.
Haralambos et al (2004:864) said “methodology is concerned with both
the detailed research methods through which data are collected, and
the more general philosophies upon which the collection and analysis
of data are based.”This chapter is a description of the methodology
used in this research.
3.1 METHODOLOGY.
The method of this study was survey using a questionnaire and depth
interviews. Dominick and Wimmer (1987:155) stated that “a case
study uses as many data sources as possible to investigate
systematically an individual, group, organization or event.”Data for the
case study were gathered through in depth interviews. In depth
interview was adopted because it gives the respondent more room to
respond to questions. This because the questions in the interview were
mostly open ended questions.
Haralambos (2004:899) described questionnaire research thus” in
questionnaire research, the same questions are usually given to
respondents in the same order so that the same information can be
collected from every member of the sample.”The questionnaire
method was chosen because it is the most convenient way to gather
information from a large number of respondents on the same topic.
The two methods were chosen in order to have a balanced data
gathering process that will involve the broadcast stations and the
public. This is because the digitization switchover will affect both the
broadcast stations and the general public.
3.2 INSTRUMENT DESIGN.
Ten questions related to the management aspects of digitization were
typed and given to 1 management staff each from the eight radio and
television stations. The researcher decided to give just one
management staff per station because since digitization is a policy of
the stations, there will not be conflicting reports on the policies of a
station by more than one staffs of the same station. Blank spaces were
left for the interviewees to write their responses.
Similarly, ten questions related to the technical aspects of digitization
were typed and given to one technical staff each from the eight radio
and television stations to respond to. The choice of one technical staff
each from the stations is based on the same reason for the selection of
the management staffs.
With respect to the questionnaire, 24 questions were drafted in a
questionnaire for 300 respondents to respond to. The 300 respondents
were chosen through systematic random sampling. The first 19
questions in the questionnaire were on digitization, the level of
awareness of the people about digitization and the implications of
digitization. The last five questions were on the respondents’ bio-data.
The respondents were given the questionnaires and allowed to answer
the questions without any injection of opinion by the researcher.
3.3 SAMPLIING METHOD.
Because of the nature of the research, Radio Unilag, EKO FM and FRCN
were selected through purposive sampling. Radio Unilag was selected
because it is the only community radio in Lagos.EKO FM was chosen
because it is a state government owned radio station while FRCN was
sampled because it is owned by the Federal government. Brila FM was
because it is privately owned. It was chosen from the other private
radio stations through random sampling.
Similarly, in the case of the television stations, NTA Lagos and LTV
were selected through purposive sampling because of their status as
Federal and State government owned television stations. Silverbird TV
and MITV were selected through random sampling of all the private
stations in Lagos. For the list of all the radio and television stations in
Lagos, refer to the appendix.
The three hundred respondents were selected through systematic
random sampling technique. Sixteen staff of the stations wsere
selected by management.
3.4 POPULATION OF THE STUDY.
The population of the study include: the entire people in Lagos, the
entire management and technical staff of the four radio stations (Radio
Unilag, EKO FM, FRCN and Brila FM) and the whole management and
technical staff of the four television stations (NTA Lagos, LTV, Silverbird
TV and MITV)
3.5 SAMPLE SIZE.
The sample size of the research is three hundred out of the population
of Akoka residents. Akoka was chosen because of the fact that many
Federal institutions which will bring people from all over the country
around there. Also, the closeness of the area to the researcher will give
him the opportunity to do a thorough work in terms of the
questionnaire distribution.1 management staff and 1 technical staff
from the eight broadcast stations that were sampled. This brings the
sample size to three hundred and sixteen (316).
3.6 METHOD OF DISTRIBUTION OF QUESTIONNAIRE.
Three hundred copies of the questionnaire were distributed to
residents of Akoka in Lagos state. The 300 respondents were selected
through random sampling of the streets in Akoka. For the street map of
Akoka, refer to appendix
Asika(1991:42)said “random sampling method is the most
fundamental method of probability sampling. Random sampling uses
the principle of randomization which is a procedure of giving every
subject in a population an equal chance of appearing in the selection.”
Thirty streets were selected at random out of the existing streets in
Akoka. For the list of streets in Akoka, refer to appendix. Akoka has a
population of about 150 thousand (www.lagosian.com) It is located in
Lagos mainland Local Government. The street map of Lagos Mainland
is provided in the appendix of this research. Similarly, a list of all the
streets in Akoka and the 30 sampled streets are also provided in the
appendix of this research.10 copies of questionnaire were then
distributed to residents of each of the streets. The sampling interval
was determined by the number of houses on each of the streets. In
situations where the number of houses on a street was insufficient, a
street with a larger number of houses was used as a replacement.
REFERENCES
Asika, N. (1991) Research Methodology in the Behavioral Sciences.
Owerri: Longman(pp 42-43)
Dominick, J.R and Wimmer, R.D (1987) Mass Media Research: An
Introduction. California: Wardsworth(p155)
Haralambos, M et al(2004) Sociology, Themes and Perspectives.
London: Collins(pp 864-899)
Rudestam,K.E and Newton,R.R (2001) Surveying Your Dissertation:A
Contemporary Guide to Content and Process.Thousand Oaks: Sage
(pp75-90)
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS.
4.0 INTRODUCTION
This chapter is an analysis of the data collected for this research and
the discussion of findings. It also provides answers to the research
questions and objectives of the research. It involves the use of
statistical methods in doing the analysis. It is divided into two:
preliminary analysis and discussion of findings in line with the research
questions.
4.1 PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS
A. PROFILE OF THE RESPONDENTS IN THE SURVEY
A total of 300 copies of questionnaire were administered to
respondents. Out of these, 252 copies were returned to the researcher.
Table 13 is a breakdown of the profile of the respondents used in the
survey.
TABLE 13: PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS IN THE SURVEY.
CATEGORIES FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
AGE
18-21
22-27
26
46
10.3
18.3
28-33
34-39
40-45
46-50
OTHER
162
28
40
32
19
64.3
11.1
15.9
12.7
7.5
TOTAL 252 100
SEX
MALE
FEMALE
143
109
56.7
43.3
TOTAL 252 100
MARITAL STATUS
SINGLE
MARRIED
DIVORCED
WIDOWED
62
173
10
7
24.6
68.7
4.0
2.8
TOTAL 252 100
EDUC.BGRD
NONFORMAL EDU.
FLSC
13
40
5.2
15.9
WASC/WAEC/NECO
ND/NCE
HND/BSC
OTHER
81
60
53
5
32.1
32.1
21.0
2.0
TOTAL 252 100
OCCUPATION
STUDENT
APPLICANT
UNEMPLOYED
PUBLIC OFFICER
TRADER/BUS.PERSON
HOUSEWIFE
OTHER
52
32
24
74
54
13
3
20.6
12.7
9.5
29.4
21.4
5.2
1.2
TOTAL 252 100
MONTHLY INCOME
BELOW N7500
N7500-N20000
N21000-40000
N41000-70000
121
42
35
30
48.0
16.7
13.9
11.9
N70000 ABOVE 24 9.5
TOTAL 252 100
B.THE MEAN AND STANDARD DEVIATION
The mean and standard deviation of the age of the respondents is as
given below
AGE F X FX FX2
16-21 26 18.5 481 8898.5
22-27 46 24.5 1127 27611.5
28-33 162 30.5 4941 1507005
34-39 28 36.5 1022 37303
40-45 40 42.5 1700 72250
46-51 32 48.5 1552 75272
OTHERS 19 75.5 1434.5 108304.8
∑F=353 ∑FX=12257.
5
∑F
X2=1761372.8
Mean = ∑FX/∑F
Mean=12257.5/353
Mean =34.7
Standard Deviation=61.5.
C.ACCESS TO THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA
The respondents in the survey were asked if they have access to the
electronic media. All the 252 respondents said they have access to the
electronic media.
D. LEVEL OF AWARENESS ON DIGITIZATION.
Out of the 252 respondents whose questionnaires were returned, 73 of
them said they have heard of the digitization of broadcasting while 179
respondents said they have not heard of digitization.
TABLE 1: LEVEL OF AWARENESS ON DIGITIZATION OF
BROADCASTING?
RESPONSE
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAG
E
Aware 73 28.97
Not Aware 179 71.03
TOTAL
(n=252)
100
E. THE MEDIUM THROUGH WHICH THE RESPONDENTS HEARD
OF
DIGITIZATION.
Out of the 73 respondents that agreed to be aware of what digitization
of broadcasting is all about, 15 of them said they heard about it
through the radio, 27 said they heard about it through the television
while 31 of them said they heard through the pages of the
newspapers.
TABLE 2: MEDIUM THROUGH WHICH RESPONDENTS HEARD
ABOUT DIGITIZATION
MEDIUM FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
RADIO 15 20.5
TELEVISION 27 37.0
NEWSPAPER 31 42.5
TOTAL (n=73) 100
F. FEASIBILTY OF THE SWITCHOVER DATE
When asked about the feasibility of Nigeria’s switchover deadline of
2012, 5 of the respondents strongly agree that the deadline is feasible,
11 of the respondents agree that the deadline is feasible, 10 of the
respondents disagree that the 2012 deadline will not be met while 27
of the respondents strongly disagree that the deadline will not be
feasible.
TABLE 3: RESPONDENTS’ OPINIONS ON COMPLETE
SWITCHOVER BY 2012
RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
STRONGLY AGREE 5 6.8
AGREE 11 15.1
INDIFFERENT 20 27.4
DISAGREE 10 13.7
STRONGLY DISAGREE 27 37.0
TOTAL(n=73) 100
G. EFFECTIVENESS OF GOVERNMENT IN CREATING AWARENESS
ON DIGITIZATION
13 of the respondents said government’s awareness campaign is
highly effective, 23 of the respondents said it is effective. 13 of them
said it is moderately effective, 83 said the campaign is ineffective while
119 of the respondents said it is highly ineffective.
TABLE 4: PERFORMANCE OF GOVERNMENT IN CREATING AWARENESS ON
DIGITIZATION
RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
HIGHLY EFFECTIVE 14 5.56
EFFECTIVE 23 9.13
MODERATELY
EFFECTIVE
17 6.75
NOT EFFECTIVE 83 32.94
HIGHLY NOT
EFFECTIVE
115 45.63
TOTAL(n=252) 100
H. EFFECTIVENESS OF THE BROADCAST MEDIA IN CREATING
AWARENESS.
Out of the 252 respondents, 11 of them said the awareness campaign
of the broadcast media on digitization is highly effective, 15 said the
campaign is effective, 27 of the respondents said the campaign is
moderately effective, 91 of them said the campaign is not effective
while 108 of them said the campaign is highly not effective.
TABLE 5: PERFORMANCE OF MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS IN CREATING AWARENESS ON
DIGITIZATION
RESPONSE
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
HIGHLY
EFFECTIVE
11 4.4
EFFECTIVE 15 6.0
MODERATELY
EFFECTIVE
27 10.7
NOT EFFECTIVE 91 36.1
HIGHLY NOT
EFFECTIVE
108 42.9
TOTAL(n=252) 100
I.FACTORS CHALLENGING THE SUCCESS OF THE 2012 DEADLINE
In response to the question on factors that will hinder the success of
the transition period, 25 respondents said lack of trained personnel,22
of the respondents said lack of equipment, 8 said consumer education,
65 said poor power supply, 126 said poverty while 6 mentioned other
factors.
TABLE 6: FACTORS THAT MIGHT HINDER THE SUCCESS OF DIGITIZATION.
RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
LACK OF TRAINING 25 9.9
LACK OF EQUIPMENT 22 8.7
CONSUMER
EDUCATION
8 3.2
POOR POWER SUPPLY 65 25.8
POVERTY 126 50.0
OTHERS 6 2.4
TOTAL(n=252) 100
J.THE COST OF THE SET TOP BOXES
When asked about how affordable the set top boxes are to Nigerian
consumers at the cost of N10000 per box,6 of the respondents said it
is highly affordable, 15 said it is affordable, 47 of the respondents were
indifferent.83 of the respondents said it is not affordable while 101
respondents said it is highly not affordable.
TABLE 7: OPINION OF RESPONDENTS ON THE COST OF SET TOP BOXES AT N10,000
RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
HIGHLY AFFORDABLE 6 2.4
AFFORDABLE 15 5.9
INDIFFERENT 47 18.7
NOT AFFORDABLE 83 32.9
HIGHLY NOT
AFFORDABLE
101 40.1
TOTAL(n=252) 100
K.GOVERNMENT’S SUBSIDY ON DIGITIZATION
In response to the question on how the government can assist to make
digitization people friendly, 70 of the respondents said government
should buy set top boxes for everybody, 82 of them said the
government should place a subsidy on the price of the set top boxes,
63 of the respondents said government should improve electricity
supply in the country, 30 said the government should educate the
consumers.
TABLE 8: METHODS THAT GOVERNMENT CAN DO TO MAKE DIGITIZATION PEOPLE
FRIENDLY
METHOD FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
BUY SET TOP BOXES 70 27.8
SUBSIDIZE SET TOP
BOXES
82 32.5
IMPROVE ELECTRICITY 59 23.4
EDUCATE PEOPLE 30 11.9
OTHERS 11 4.4
TOTAL(n=252) 100
L. BENEFITS OF DIGITIZATION.
Responding to the question on whether digitization is beneficial to the
society, 13 of the respondents strongly agree that it is beneficial, 10
agree that it is beneficial, 95 were neutral over the matter, 84 disagree
with the statement while 50 strongly disagree.
TABLE 9: OPINION OF REPONDENTS TO IF DIGITIZATION OF BROADCASTING IS OF
BENEFIT TO SOCIETY
RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
STRONGLY AGREE 13 5.2
AGREE 10 4.0
INDIFFERENT 95 37.7
DISAGREE 84 33.3
STRONGLY DISAGREE 50 19.8
TOTAL(n=252) 100
M.CONVENIENCE OF THE 2012 DEADLINE
213 of the respondents said the deadline is not convenient while 39
said the deadline is okay. Out of the 213 respondents that said the
deadline is not convenient, 27 of them suggested that the deadline
should be in 2013, 31 of them suggested 2014, 45 of them said 2015 is
more convenient. 45 of them said 2015 is better while 114 of them
said it should be after 2015.
TABLE 10: SUGGESTED DATES FOR THE DIGITAL SWITCHOVER IN NIGERIA
RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
2013 27 12.7
2014 31 14.6
2015 42 19.7
BEYOND 2015 113 53.1
TOTAL(n=213) 100
N. NATURE OF THE SWITCHOVER.
While responding to how they would want the switchover to be done,
47 of the respondents want the switchover to be done, 47 of the
respondents want the switchover to be done state by state, 52 of them
are of the opinion that it should be done simultaneously, 51 of them
are of the opinion that Lagos should switchover first before other
states, 93 are of the opinion that each state should be allowed to
switchover when it wants. 9 of the respondents have other opinions.
TABLE 11: SUGGESTED WAYS OF SWITCHING OVER TO DIGITAL BROADCASTING IN
NIGERIA
WAYS FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
STATE BY STATE 47 18.7
SIMULTENOUSLY 52 20.6
LAGOS FIRST 51 20.2
EACH STATION TO
ITSELF
93 36.9
OTHERS 9 3.6
TOTAL(n=252) 100
O. LOCAL MANUFACTURE OF DIGITAL EQUIPMENT.
33 of the respondents strongly support that the digital equipments be
manufactured in Nigeria, 36 support this opinion, 49 are neutral on the
issue, and 50 do not support the opinion while 84 strongly do not
support the opinion.
TABLE 12 OPINION ON WHETHER GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALLOW FOR LOCAL
MANUFACTURE OF DIGITAL EQUIPMENT
OPINION FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
STRONGLY SUPPORT 33 13.10
SUPPORT 36 14.29
NEUTRAL 49 19.44
DON’T SUPPORT 50 19.84
STRONGLY DON’T
SUPPORT
84 33.33
TOTAL(n==252) 100
4.2 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS.
RQ1.What are the requirements for digitization?
This discussion is in response to the first research question(what are
the requirements for digitization?).For a station to be fully digitized, a
broadcast station needs a digital transmitter in addition to the already
existing digital equipment in the studios. For the sake of good
resolution in picture and sound, a station should acquire high definition
digital equipments especially the transmitters. The table below shows
the type of transmitters in each of
TABLE 17: STATIONS AND TYPE OF TRANSMITTERS IN USE
STATION ANALOG DIGITAL HIGH
DEFINITION
DIGITAL
SILVERBIRD YES
NTA YES
LTV YES
MITV YES
UNILAG FM YES
EKO FM YES
METRO FM YES
BRILA FM YES
SOURCE: SILVERBIRD, NTA, LTV, UNILAG FM, MITV, EKO FM, MERO FM, BRILA FM
None of the stations has a high definition digital transmitter. The good
news however is that under a well organized government policy, each
station does not need to have its own transmitter as far as digitization
is concerned. The government collaborates with stakeholders and
provides high definition transmitters at strategic locations in the
country to serve broadcast stations within the area of capture of the
transmitters. The challenge here is that the government is not showing
some degree of commitment and the transmitters are very expensive.
On the part of the public, to enjoy digital broadcasting, a person needs
a digital receiver for a radio and a set top box for a television. The set
top box (which serves as a decoder) in the case of television can be
used with the old television set.
RQ 2. Do Nigerians have the skilled manpower to run the
digital equipment?
From the responses obtained from the interviews, it was discovered
that only government owned media houses(NTA,LTV,EKO FM, METRO
FM,UNILAG FM) send their technical staff on training. Other private
stations usually employ people who have acquired the skills already.
For such stations, the staff can only go for short workshops. On the
skills of their technical staff, the table below gives a representation of
each station as presented by their technical and management staff.
TABLE 16: LEVEL OF COMPETENCE OF TECHNICAL STAFF.
STATION VERY
SKILLFUL
L
SKILLFUL
L
CANT
SAY
FAIRLY
SKILLFUL
L
NOT
SKILLFUL
L
LTV YES
NTA YES
SILVERBIR
D
YES
MITV YES
EKO FM YES
UNILAG
FM
YES
METRO FM YES
BRILA FM YES
SOURCE: SILVERBIRD, NTA, LTV, UNILAG FM, MITV, EKO FM, MERO FM, BRILA FM
All the stations indicated that their staff are skillful in handling digital
equipment, however, three stations (NTA,SILVERBIRD and UNILAG FM)
indicated that their staff are very skillful. This is a positive response to
the second research question which says, do Nigerian broadcast
stations have the skilled manpower to run the digital equipment? This
response could be due to the fact that broadcast stations in the
country have been using some form of digital technology before now.
Handling of high definition digital equipment requires more training
which the stations must have to take note of.
RQ 3. What is the level of awareness of Nigerians regarding
the implications of digitization?
Based on the views of respondents in this research, 79 of them said
the media organizations were inefficient in their awareness campaign
on digitization. From the interviews conducted with staff of the
broadcast stations under study, all the stations agreed that they have
no campaigns on digitization on air now. However, they all said they
have plans to step up their campaigns very soon. This campaign will
take the form of advertisements, talk shows and jingles depending on
the station. Below is a breakdown of the campaigns by the stations
TABLE 14: STATIONS AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON DIGITIZATION
STATION CAMPAIGNS ON AIR
NOW
CAMPAIGNS IN THE
PIPELINE
NTA LAGOS NONE INTENSIVE
ADVERTISEMENTS
MITV NONE ADVERTISEMENTS
SILVERBIRD NONE ADVERTISEMENTS &
TALKSHOWS
LTV NONE ADVERTISEMENTS
UNILAG FM NONE JINGLES
BRILA FM NONE JINGLES
EKO FM NONE JINGLES
METRO FM NONE JINGLES
SOURCE: SILVERBIRD, NTA, LTV, UNILAG FM, MITV, EKO FM, MERO FM, BRILA FM
The table above shows how unserious the government and broadcast
stations are over the issue of awareness campaign for digitization.
Awareness campaign is not something that should be done in a rush
especially for a country like Nigeria where illiteracy abounds. In
response to the third research question which seeks to find out the
level of awareness of Nigerians on the implications of digitization, the
level of awareness is low. A research conducted by the Federal
Communication Commission (FCC) in 2005 prior to the commencement
of awareness campaign on digitization in the USA shows that 63
percent of the stakeholders said public service announcements, such
as television advertisements should be the primary form of
communication. The table below shows some countries and when they
started intensive awareness campaigns on digitization.
TABLE 15: SELECTED COUNTRIES AND YEAR OF COMMENCEMENT OF INTENSIVE
AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON DIGITIZATION
COUNTRY YEAR
GERMANY 2003
UNITED KINGDOM 2003
MAURITIUS 2005
SOUTH AFRICA 2008
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 2005
SOURCE: FCC, DIGITALTV PROJECT, DIGITAL DZONGA AND MCML
COST OF DIGITIZATION.
Digitization is a very expensive venture, little wonder that the
government of countries is involved in the digitization of their
respective countries. This year, it cost the federal ministry of
information about 600 million naira to acquire high definition digital
equipments for the broadcast of the FIFA U-17 world cup tournament
(www.ngrguardiannews.com). The Kenyan government is setting aside
1.5 million dollars to subsidize the cost of set top of boxes for the
public (www.allafrica.com). The United Kingdom is setting aside 803
million pounds (www.digitaltv.co.uk)
For consumers, the least cost is around 10,000 naira for a set top box.
To obtain a full digital package, a consumer will spend between 70,000
and 236,000 naira (Onwubiri, 2008:1). The tradition in other countries
is that governments subsidizes the cost of the set top boxes and also
encourage the local manufacture of such equipments. The USA, the
UK, South Africa, Mauritius are examples of countries that have taken
this step already.
RQ 4. What are the implications of digitization for the entire
society?
Apart from the benefits in terms of crystal clear reception of broadcast
signals, digitization can be a money spinner if used properly. The cost
benefit analysis conducted in the United Kingdom shows that digital
switchover in the UK will result in quantifiable benefits in the region of
to 2 million pounds (www.digitaltv.co.uk). This implies that digitization
has a positive implication on the economy of Nigeria.
NATURE OF THE MIGRATION.
The United Kingdom, South Africa and Mauritius have adopted the
stage by stage migration whereby one region migrates at a time until
full migration is attained in 2015. These countries have designed road
maps for the digitization of broadcasting and they have followed the
map religiously. Unfortunately, Nigeria is yet to come up with such a
road map.
STATE OF READINESS FOR DIGITIZATION
The response of most of the staff of the broadcast stations interviewed
favours the fact that the country is ready for digitization. This
contradicts the views of the respondents in the questionnaire who said
the country is not yet ready for digitization by 2012. What this implies
is that it could be possible to achieve digitization in the stations but it
might not be so with the consumers because of the low level of
awareness and the level of poverty in the country.
TABLE 18: CONVENIENCE OF 2012 DEADLINE FOR NIGERIAN BROADCAST STATIONS
CONVENIENCE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
YES 11 68.8
NO 5 31.2
TOTAL(n=16) 100
RQ 5. What is the level of preparedness of each of the selected
stations?
South Africa intends to achieve 75 percent digitization by 2011. If we
make a comparism between Nigeria and south Africa in terms the
following indices: awareness campaign, digital test transmission,
subsidy on digitization, adherence to the road map, rating each of the
indices on a scale of five, the score is as shown in the table below.
TABLE 19: RATING SOUTH AFRICA AND NIGERIA
COUNTR
Y
AWARENES
S
TEST SUBSIDY AWARENES
S
TOTAL
SOUTH
AFRICA
1 0 O 2 3
NIGERIA 4 5 5 5 19
From this result, South Africa scored 19 out of 20 while Nigeria scored
3 out of 20. By projection, if South Africa with 19 points intends to
achieve 75 percent digitization by 2011, we could use this to project
Nigeria’s state by 2011.
19=75%
3=x%
19x=3(75)
X=225/19
X=11.8%
This result shows that with the present situation of lack of concern to
the digitization process, Nigeria will only achieve less than 15%
digitization by 2012.
REFERENCES
Abbas, J. (2009, 07 3). All Africa. Retrieved 10 12, 2009, from All Africa:
http://www.allafrica.com
Dzonga dzonga (2009, 10 7). Retrieved 10 18, 2009, from digital
dzonga: http://www.digitaldzonga.co.za
fcc (2009, 7 21). dtv is coming. Retrieved 10 18, 2009, from federal
communication commission: http://www.dtv.gov
Onubuariri, P. (2008, 12 15). triumph news. Retrieved 9 21, 2009, from
triumph news: http://www.triumphnews.com/tel2372008
Onuorah, M (2009) Federal Government Procures HDTV Equipment.
The Guardian, 15 july 2009:p1-2
Starks, M. (2004, 3 22). digital tv project. Retrieved 9 18, 2009, from
http://www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONSTRAINTS, CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 SUMMARY
This study looked at the level of preparedness of Nigerian broadcast
stations to the digitization deadline of 2012. Lagos was used as a case
study because of the concentration of broadcast stations in the state.
The study came out of the fears that the global digitization deadline is
just by the corner and the level of preparedness on Nigeria is not
certain. Since the broadcast media is man’s best companion in terms
of entertainment, information and enlightenment, Nigeria cannot afford
to be marooned by the telecommunication world.
Ahead of any consideration of digital switchover policies, there are
preconditions that need to be fulfilled in order to trigger normal
competitive market led mechanisms. These include: adequate
spectrum allocation, a workable roadmap and a coordinated market
approach to content/network/equipment providers including
campaigns. The issue of consumer education is a serious problem
because consumers are not grounded in the technicalities of
digitization.
The study used Marshall McLuhan’s theory of technological
determinism as its supporting theory. The media today has undergone
series of transformations owing to the dynamic nature of technology.
Each time there is a transformation; people will want to be part of the
new technology.
The methodology of this study is a combination of survey and depth
interview.300 copies of questionnaire were administered but 252 were
returned to the researcher. Interview questions were given to the
technical and management staff of the selected broadcast stations
(UNILAG FM, EKO FM, BRILA FM, METRO FM, SILVERBIRD, NTA, LTV and
MITV). Statistical methods were used in the analysis of data.
5.2 CONSTRAINTS.
The major constraint in this research is the difficulties encountered
during the compilation of the literature review. Another constraint is
the fact that any of the materials on the internet not free. Time is also
another constraint.
5.3 CONCLUSION
Although digital transmissions are more cost effective than the
analogue, a country cannot simply switch off its analogue
transmissions and replace it with digital transmission the next day.
Most countries have come up with policies that will allow for the
analogue and digital programmes. This process is known as
simulcasting.
In Nigeria, based on the findings of this research, it is obvious that the
switchover will end up being implemented in three phases. The first
phase is that of broadcast stations changing their transmitters to high
definition transmitters and studio equipment. If the funds are ready,
this phase can be achievable by 2012.
The second phase of the switchover is from the consumers. There is no
awareness campaign on ground and with the level of illiteracy in the
country; government has a Herculean task ahead of it. Once again, if
there is an intensive campaign from next year, the level of awareness
will rise by 2012.
The last phase of the switchover will be that of getting the digital
receiver and set top boxes. This is where there is a problem because
majority of the consumers are living in poverty. Hence, by 2012 this
phase might not be achieved unless the government intervenes by
subsidizing the cost of digitization.
Currently, analogue broadcasting is protected from interference; this
protection will stop globally in 2015. It is therefore necessary that the
migration be taken seriously and government should draw up a
workable road map for the migration. If 2012 is no realizable, Nigeria
can work towards the ITU deadline of 2015.
5.4 RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The government should copy other countries like the United States
of America, the United Kingdom and Mauritius by subsidizing the cost
of digitization so as to make it more acceptable by the people.
2. The switchover should be done region by region. Before then, a test
transmission should be done to ascertain the level of readiness of the
country for digitization.
3. The policy of operating analogue and digital transmissions side by
side should be adopted for a period of time until the country is sure it
can do away with analogue broadcasting.
4. Government should partner with stakeholders to form a workable
road map.
5. There is an urgent need for massive campaign by government and
broadcast organisations on digitization and its implications.
6. Broadcast organizations especially the privately owned ones should
make it a policy to give their technical staff up to date professional
training to ensure efficiency.
7. Government should encourage the local manufacture of the
hardware for digitization. This will subsidize the cost of the equipment.
REFERENCES
Onwubuariri, P (2008) Television Digitization: What Impact on
Nigerians? : http//www.triumphnews.com/tel2372008.
Starks, M (2004) Digital TV Project. London:
www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk
BIBLIOGRAPHY.
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Maryland: Concept Publications.(pp190-196)
Abbas, J. (2009) Nigeria: Transiting from Analogue Pains to Digital
Gains: http//www.allafrica.com.
Baran,S.J(2002) Introduction to Mass Communication: Media Literacy
and Culture. Newyork: McGraw Hill (pp83-88)
Branston, G. and Stafford, R. (2006) The Media Students’ Book.
London: Routledge. (pp 5-500)
Ching, A (2006) Communication Theories: Technological determinism:
www.wongkeenhing.com.
(pp 1-2)
Craft, J.E et al (2001) Electronic Media. California: Wardsworth.(p 284)
Dare, O and Uyo, A (eds) (1996) Journalism in Nigeria: Issues and
Perspectives. Ikeja: Cargo Compass.
Dominick, J.R and Wimmer, R.D (1987) Mass Media Research: An
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Dzonga dzonga (2009, 10 7). Retrieved 10 18, 2009, from digital
dzonga: http://www.digitaldzonga.co.za
Grint, K (1991) The Sociology of Work: An Introduction. Cambridge:
Polity Press (p 60)
Eastman, S.T and Ferguson, D. A (2002) Broadcast/Cable/Web
Programming Strategies and Practices. Belmont:Wardsworth.(220-252)
fcc (2009, 7 21). dtv is coming. Retrieved 10 18, 2009, from federal
communication commission: http://www.dtv.gov
Fidler, R(1997) Mediamorphosis: Understanding New Media. California:
Pire Forge Press.(p 89)
Haralambos, M et al (2004) Sociology, Themes and Perspectives.
London: Collins.(pp 624-899)
McLuhan,M and Fiore,Q(1967)The Medium is the Message: An
Inventory of Effects.Newyork: Random House (pp 279-280)
Mcquail, D (2000) Mcquail’s Theory of Mass Communication. London:
Sage. (pp 16-34)
Mcquail, D (2005) Mcquail’s Theory of Mass Communication. London:
Sage. (p 234)
Martini, D. (2001) Preparing for Digital Broadcasting:
http//www.itu.int/digitization conference in Kenya
Ogah, I. A (2007) Re-appraisal of The Development Media Theory and
Its Implications to the Nigerian Broadcast Technology in Globalizating
World in Nwosu, I. E and Soola, D.E. Communication in Global ICT and
Ecosystem Perspectives-Insight from Nigeria . Enugu: Precision. p(153)
Nwosu, I.E. and Soola, O.E (eds) (2007) Communication in Global ICTs
and Ecosystem Perspectives-Insight From Nigeria. Enugu: Precision.
Obazele, P(1996) Challenges of Radio Journalism and Management of
Broadcasting in Nigeria in Dare, O and Uyo, A Journalism in Nigeria:
issues and Perspectives. Ikeja: Cargo Compass.(pp 142-144)
Onwubuariri, P (2008) Television Digitization: What Impact on
Nigerians? : http//www.triumphnews.com/tel2372008.
Potter, J.W (2005) Media Literacy. Thousand Oaks: Sage.(p 185)
Rudestam,K.E and Newton,R.R (2001) Surveying Your Dissertation:A
Contemporary Guide to Content and Press.Thousand Oaks: Sage
(pp75-90)
SADIBA Report (2002) Analogue to Digital Migration Strategy for South
Africa : http//www.sadiba.co.za
SADIBA Report (2009) Analogue to Digital Migration Strategy for South
Africa: http//www.sadiba.co.za
Spears, W (2009) Digitization of Broadcasting: http//ellies.com (p40)
Smuts, K (2001) Digital Broadcasting Advisory Board in South Africa in
Rapporteurs’ Report(2001):http//www.itu.int.(p36)
Sotunmbi, B (1996) The Challenges of Television Journalism in Dare, O
and Uyo, A. Journalism in Nigeria: issues and Perspectives. Ikeja: Cargo
Compass.(172-176)
Starks, M (2004) The Digital Television Project:
http//www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk.(pp12-43)
The OFCOM’S Report (2004):http//www.ofcom.com/digital broadcasting
in Africa
The SCITECH Report (2008)Digitalization of Broadcasting in Nigeria:
http//www.scitech.com/digital terrestrial broadcasting.
The Rapporteurs’ Report (2001):http//www.itu.int
The ITU Report (2006):http//www.itu.int/digital terrestrial broadcasting
The ITU Report (2009):http//www.itu.int/ict/regulation toolkits
The Kenya Report (2008) Report of the Task Force on Migration of
Terrestrial Television from Analogue to Digital Broadcasting in Kenya:
http//www.cck.go.ke/migration_digital tv
The Tanzania Report (2009)Report on Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting
in Tanzania: http//www.tcra.go.tz/digital broadcasting.
http//www.hindawi.com/journals/ijdmb
http//ministryofpower.gov.ng/phcn.
http//ministryofinformaion.gov.ng/standards/digitalization
http//www.nbc.gov/road to digitization
http//en.wikipedia.org/digitization
http//en.wikipedia.org/digital terrestrial broadcasting
http//www.allafrica.com/stakeholders’ communiqué on digitization of
broadcasting in Nigeria http//www.ngrguardiannews.com/implications
of digitization in Nigeria
APPENDIX II
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR MANAGEMENT STAFF.
Dear Sir,
My name is Ibbi, Andrew Ali. I am an M.SC fulltime student of the
Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos. I am
Carrying out a research on the level of preparedness of broadcast
stations in Lagos state to the 2012 deadline for the transition from
analogue to digital broadcasting. Your assistance is needed to respond
to the questions below concerning your station’s state of readiness for
digitization.
I assure you that the information given will only be used for
academic research and nothing else.
Thank you for your cooperation.
QUESTIONS
1. What are the requirements for digitization according to the National
broadcasting Commission?
2. Considering the fact that the staffs in most broadcast stations in
Nigeria are more skillful in handling analogue equipment, how has your
station been able to prepare its staff to cope with the challenges of the
new digital equipment?
3. Tick appropriately the level of skillfulness of your staff in coping with
digital technology
Very skillful ( ) Skillful ( ) can’t assess ( ) fairly skillful ( )
Not skillful ( )
4. Based on what you have on ground now, tick the appropriate level of
preparedness of your station for digitization.
Totally ready ( ) Ready ( ) can’t say ( ) fairly ready ( ) Not
ready ( )
5. What are the challenges that your station is facing concerning the
switchover process?
6. What are the ways that your station is using to educate the public
on digitization and its implications?
7. In your opinion, is the 2012 deadline okay for Nigerian broadcast
stations?
8. In what ways would you want the government to support your
station to enable it attain full digitization by 2012?
9. What is your station doing in terms of the purchase of the standard
equipment?
10. Would you prefer the government to set up a body to monitor the
importation of digital equipment or should every station be allowed to
import what it wants for its station?
11. How much do you think it will cost your station to fully go digital?
12. How are you raising the funds?
13. Do you have a training programme for your staff on how to handle
digital equipment?
APPENDIX III
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR TECHNICAL STAFF
Dear Sir,
My name is Ibbi, Andrew Ali. I am an M.SC fulltime student of the
Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos. I am
Carrying out a research on the level of preparedness of broadcast
stations in Lagos state to the 2012 deadline for the transition from
analogue to digital broadcasting. Your assistance is needed to respond
to the questions below concerning your station’s state of readiness for
digitization.
I assure you that the information given will only be used for
academic research and nothing else.
Thank you for your cooperation.
QUESTIONS
1. Technically speaking, what are the things that a station must have
before it can be called a fully digitized station?
2. How skillful are you technical staff in handling digital equipment?
3. Based on the equipment you have on ground, tick the appropriate
state of readiness of your station for digitization
Very ready ( ) Ready ( ) cant assess ( ) Fairly ready ( ) Not
ready ( )
4. What is a set top box?
5. Must every digital television set have a set top box before it
function?
6. Explain the difference between High Definition Television (HDTV)
and Digital Video Broadcasting Technology (DVB-T)
7. The ITU recommended the DVB-T for African countries but the
Federal Government spent millions of naira to purchase HDTV
equipment for the FIFA U-17 world cup. Is it possible for a country to
use equipment that are not specified by the ITU?
8. Does digitization mean your station will have to overhaul all its
existing equipment?
9. Do we have the technology to manufacture digital equipment in
Nigeria?
10. For those that were unable to purchase the digital television or the
set top boxes, is it possible for them to watch their old television sets
after the deadline?
APPENDIX I
QUESTIONNAIRE.
Dear Respondent,
My name is Ibbi, Andrew Ali. I am an M.SC fulltime student of the
Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos. I am
Carrying out a research on the level of preparedness of broadcast
stations in Lagos state to the 2012 deadline for the transition from
analogue to digital broadcasting. Your assistance is needed to respond
to the questions below concerning your station’s state of readiness for
digitization.
I assure you that the information given will only be used for
academic research and nothing else.
Thank you for your cooperation.
SECTION A
1.Do you have access to any electronic medium?
.Yes( ) No( )
2.If your answer to question one is yes,which of the electronic media
do you have access to?
Radio ( ) Television Both( ) others ( )
3.Do you know anything about the digitization of broadcasting?
Yes( ) No( )
4.If your answer to question 3 is yes, do you agree that Nigeria will
switchover completely from analogue to digital broadcasting by 2012?
Srongly agree( ) Agree( ) Indifferent( ) Disagree( ) Strongly
disagree( )
5..How would you rate the performance of broadcast stations in
creating awareness to the public on the digitization of broadcasting?
Highly effective ( ) Effective ( ) Moderately effective( ) Not
effective( ) Highly not effective( )
6. How would you rate the performance of government in creating
awareness to the public on the digitization of broadcasting?
Highly effective ( ) Effective ( ) Moderately effective( ) Not
effective( ) Highly not effective( )
7. Tick one item that you think will hinder the success of the
digitization project.
Poverty( ) Poor consumer education ( ) Poor electricity supply( )
Untrained broadcast personnel( ) Others( )
8. Which of these media do you listen to/ watch the most ?
Radio( ) Television( ) Both( ) None( )
9. Through which of these media did you know about the digitization of
broadcasting?
Radio( ) Television( ) Both( ) None( )
10.The least amunt for buying a set top box(a decoder for digital
television) is ten thousand naira.How affordable do you think this is to
Nigerians?
Highly affordable( ) Affordable( ) Indifferent( ) Not
affordable( ) Highly not affordable( )
11.Tick one thing that you believe the government should do to make
digitization of broadcasting people friendly.
Buy set top boxes for everybody( ) subsidize the cost of the set top
boxes( ) Improve electricity supply( ) Educate the people on
digitization( ) Others
12. Do you agree that the digitization of broadcasting is of great
benefit to the society?
1.Strongly agree( ) 2.Agree( ) 3.Indifferent( ) 4.Disagree( )
5.Strongly disagree( )
13.How satisfied are you with the way the country is going about the
process of switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting?
Highly satisfied( ) Satisfied( ) Indifferent( ) Dissatisfied( )
Highly dissatisfied( )
14. What do you think will become of your old television set after the
switchover deadline?
It will stop to function( ) It will still be useful( ) I don’t know( )
Others( )
15.Do you agree that digitization should be a priority of government in
this period of global economic crisis?
Strongly agree( ) Agree( ) Indifferent( ) Disagree( )
Strongly disagree( )
16.Is the 2012 deadline for switchover to digital broadcasting
convenient for Nigeria?
Yes( ) No( )
17.If your answer to question 16 is NO,what date would you suggest
for Nigeria?
2013( ) 2014( ) 2015( ) Beyond 2015( )
18.How would you want the switchover to be done in the country?
State by State( ) Simultenously( ) Lagos state first before other
states( ) Each station should be allowed to switchover when it
wants( ) others
19.Would you support that government should allow for the local
manufacture of digital equipment?
Strongly support( ) Agree( ) Neutral( ) Don’t support( )
Strongly don’t support( )
SECTION B (BIO DATA)
1.Age
18-21( )
22-27( )
28-33( )
34-39( )
40-45( )
46-50( )
Others( )
2.Sex
Male( ) Female( )
3.Marital status
Single( )
Married( )
Divorced( )
Widowed( )
Others
4.Educational Qualification
First school leaving certificate( )
WASC/WAEC/NECO( )
HND/B.SC( )
ND/NCE( )
Others( )
5.Occupation
Student( )
Applicant( )
Unemployed( )
Civil Servant( )
Trader( )
Housewife( )
Others( )
APPENDIX IV
NAMES OF STREETS IN AKOKA.
Oridami street
Oyenuga Street
Aiyetoro Street
Tijani Ashogbon Street
Teslim Nasiru Street
Olanrewaju Street
Moronfolu Street
Community Road
Obeyan Street
Afolabi Brown Street
Osifolarin Street
Adeboye Street
Ogungbamila Street
Ogunleye street
Funmilayo Onaronke street
Awofala Street
Anuolowapo Street
Odukoya Street
Adeyinka Street
Emily Akinola street
Oshinjo Street
Folorunsho Johnson Street
Odunsanya Street
Abeokuta street
Sanyaolu street
Ayoola street
Adun street
Ilaje street
Kukoyi street
Idowu street
A.Lawal street
James Eze street
Alhaji Alimi street
Ayoola street
Lawal street
Unity Street
Odelana street
Adedoyin street
Den Martins street
Olatunji Rufai street
Ajoleye A.Sule street
Oremeji street
Igbaja street
Bello street
Obadia street
Ajayi Olaiya street
Yinusa street
Alake street
Ogbere street
Adenuga Kajero street
Shobande street
University of Lagos
SOURCE: www.lagosian.gov.ng
APPENDIX V
SAMPLED STREETS USED IN THE RESEARCH
1.Oyenuga Street
2.Aiyetoro Street
3.Olanrewaju Street
4.Community Road
5.Afolabi Brown Street
6.Adeboye Street
7.Ogungbamila Street
8.Funmilayo Onaronke street
9.Anuolowapo Street
10.Adeyinka Street
11.Emily Akinola street
12.Folorunsho Johnson Street
13.Odunsanya Street
14.Sanyaolu street
15.Adun street
16.Kukoyi street
17.A.Lawal street
18.Alhaji Alimi street
19.Ayoola street
20.Unity Street
21.Adedoyin street
22.Den Martins street
23.Olatunji Rufai street
24.Ajoleye A.Sule street
25.Oremeji street
26.Obadia street
27.Yinusa street
28.Alake street
29.Adenuga Kajero street
30.Shobande street
APPENDIX VI
RADIO STATIONS IN LAGOS STATE.
1.Brila FM 88.9
2.Eko FM 89.75
3.Top Radio 90.9
4.Inspiration FM 92.3
5.Rhythm FM 93.7
6.Altitude FM 94.8
7.Cool FM 96.9
8.Metro FM 97.6
9.Raypower 100.5
10.Radio Continental 103
11.Star FM 101.5
12.Unilag FM 103.1
13.FRCN Radio FM 103.5
14.NOUN FM 105.9
15.Radio Lagos 107.5
16.Beat FM 99.9
17.Classic FM 97.3
18.WAZOBIA FM 95.1
19.VON Radio
SOURCE:www.nbc.gov.ng
APPENDIX VII
LIST OF TELEVISION STATIONS IN LAGOS STATE.
1. NTA2 Channel 5
2. NTA Channel 10
3. Lagos Television(LTV)
4. Television Continental(TVC)
5. Murhi Internatiol Television(MITV)
6. Channels Television
7. Degue Broadcasting Network(DBN)
8. Universal Broadcasting Service ltd(Superscreen)
9. Galaxy Television
10. Minaj
11. Silverbird Television(STV)
12. African Independent Television(AIT)
SOURCE: www.nbc.gov.ng
DEDICATION
This research work is dedicated to my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ for
his guidance and protection throughout my postgraduate programme.
It is also dedicated to the living memory of my late parents, Bro.
Emmanuel Hillary Ali Ibbi (OSA) and Mrs. Jacinta Emmanuel.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
I wish to express my gratitude to God Almighty for seeing me through
the programme. Lord, I cannot quantify the favours that you have been
doing to me. All I will say is thank you.
I wish to say a big thank you to Dorcas Dauda for your support
throughout my programme in the University of Lagos. I also wish to
appreciate the support of my siblings both in cash and in kind: Helter,
Fidelis, Ishaku, Nassi and Pasom. You guys are just too much, you
made it so easy for me as if the oldman and the old woman are with
us. Only the good lord will reward you. To my nieces and nephews
(Sherrif, Queen, Sonyina, Suzie, Juliet, Pauline, Mr Cheng, The Duke,
Franca, Justice, Jacinta and Imani), thank you for your messages while I
was away.
I also wish to acknowledge my friend and brother,Eugene Enehe for his
total support both financially and morally throughout my stay in lagos.
I will not forget Mummy, BB and Amina all in Kaduna, I love you all.
I also wish to appreciate my in laws( Bitrus Haruna, Paul Ayuba and
Ruth Ibbi) for their prayers and support. I will not forget my uncle,
Chief John Manasseh(MON) for his advice that I should go for my
masters.i also wish to acknowledge uncle Sadak for his support.
I will not forget my friend and twin brother on campus,Adebunmi
Adeshokan(Boomer) you are the man. Thanx for the laptop and
everything.I will always remember Petra Arokoyo and Dare Ariyo
Raphael. We have come a long way from Zaria to Lagos, lets do it
again.
I also wish to appreciate my special friend, Ogechi Michael, you are
always there when I need you. I will not forget mummy, thank you so
much.
My gratitude goes to my supervisor, Dr. Innocent Okoye. Sir, thank you
for your guidance and patience in going through my work. God bless
you. I wish to appreciate all my postgraduate lecturers in the
University of Lagos.
I will not forget my guardian Mr.Lawal Yusuf and his family for the love
and care they gave me.
I will not forget my roommate Deji, my friend Tunde aka Labota and
my classmates like Apetuje,Aderibigbe, Kenny, Precious, Grace and
several others. It was nice knowing you guys.
Finally,I will not forget to acknowledge my friends Engr. Timothy
Gambo and DSP Boniface Miyakilo. You guys have been very caring.
Thank you and God bless you.
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this research project is original, and is my
personal effort and that it had not been previously presented for award
of any kind. All materials used that had been published were duly
acknowledged.
__________________________ _____________________
IBBI Andrew Ali(089083026) Date
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page
Declaration
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Chapter one
1.0 Background of the study
1.1 Statement of the Problem
1.2 Research Questions
1.3 Reseach objectives
1.4 Justification of study
1.5 Scope of study
1.6 Definition of terms
Chapter Two
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Digitization of broadcasting,global perspective
2.2 Digitization of broadcasting in Africa
2.3 Nigeria and the digitization of broadcasting
2.3.1 History of broadcasting in Nigeria
2.3.2 Challenges of digitization
2.3.3 Digitization standards
2.3.4 Implications of digitization
2.3.5 Advantages of digitization
2.3.6 Disadvantages of digitization
2.3.7 Empirical studies on digitization
2.4 Theoretical Framework
Chapter Three
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Methodology
3.2 Instrument design
3.3 Sampling method
3.4 Population of the study
3.5 Sample size
3.6 Method of distribution of questionnaire
Chapter Four
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Preliminary Analysis
4.2 Discussion of findings
Chapter Five
5.1 Summary
5.2 Constraints
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Recomendations
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX
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