To ensure successful implementation of the recently launched Digital Switch Over (DSO) policy, stakeholders met in Abuja and unanimously agreed on collaboration with government agencies to ensure the project delivers improved broadcasting services, expanded audience reach, enhanced revenue opportunities, and greater value for the nation’s consumers.

Convened by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the conversation brought together key players in the broadcasting ecosystem, including regulators, broadcasters, signal distributors, set-top box manufacturers, content producers, satellite operator, and industry associations, to deliberate on the way forward for the DSO project in the country.

Chairman of the event and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reassured stakeholders that government had no hidden agenda and all decisions would be guided by national interest, stakeholder inclusion, and long-term sustainability of the broadcasting industry.

He further acknowledged concerns regarding consultation and stakeholder participation and noted that while broader engagement should ideally have commenced earlier, it was not too late to build consensus and move forward collectively.

Broad areas of consensus emerging from discussions include, the DSO project remains necessary and desirable for Nigeria; the transition should prioritise national interest and industry sustainability; regular and continuous stakeholder engagements and consultations are essential; local content development and local manufacturing should remain central objectives to the DSO implementation.

Other areas of agreements are, the DSO model must ensure sustainability across the broadcasting value chain; regulatory certainty and investor confidence must be preserved; the DSO rollout should create jobs, attract investment, and expand opportunities for Nigerian broadcasters and content creators.

Following resolutions were arrived at after extensive deliberations, stakeholders reaffirmed their collective commitment to the successful implementation of the DSO programme in the country; Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) remains an integral component of the DSO framework and should not be discontinued; Importance of adopting a hybrid digital broadcasting model that leverages DTT, Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite services, and digital application-based delivery platforms; DSO Digital Implementation Team, Digiteam, should be reconstituted to guide the DSO implementation; the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) should remain committed to protecting investments already made by licensed set-top box manufacturers and other stakeholders within the DSO ecosystem; the commission agreed to strengthen stakeholder engagement and consultation processes to ensure transparency and inclusiveness in the DSO implementation activities.

They also welcomed ongoing efforts by NBC and Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to develop a sustainable business model that will enhance audience measurement, improve advertising revenue generation, and support the long-term viability of broadcasters; there was broad consensus on need to promote local content production, local manufacturing, and job creation as key objectives of the DSO programme; the NBC agreed to review stakeholder concerns relating to implementation frameworks, technical standards, and other agreements in consultation with relevant stakeholders as part of ongoing consultations; Stakeholders were assured of measures taken by Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) to ensure satellite reliability and continuity of service for the DSO platform; In addition, existing backup arrangements with alternative satellite operators are already in place to guarantee uninterrupted service and eliminate the need for subscriber dish realignment.

To advance implementation of the DSO programme, the following actions were identified, the Federal Government, through Ministry of Information and National Orientation, will reconstitute the DigiTeam stakeholder platform to provide a structured mechanism for consultation, collaboration, and industry participation; NBC and the reconstituted DigiTeam is expected to develop a revised implementation framework that will define roles of national, regional, state, and community broadcasters within the hybrid DSO model;NBC will continue engagements with set-top box manufacturers and other industry stakeholders to address concerns regarding existing investments and future participation in the DSO ecosystem, among others. Further consultations will be conducted to review aspects of the existing DSO framework and identify areas requiring policy updates or regulatory adjustments

Other agreements include, NBC and ARCON will finalise and present a comprehensive business model aimed at strengthening audience measurement systems, expanding advertising opportunities, and ensuring sustainability of broadcast media organisations; the commission will work with relevant government agencies to promote local manufacturing, prevent market distortions, and encourage greater participation by indigenous technology providers; additional awareness and stakeholder sensitisation programmes will be undertaken to improve understanding of the DSO implementation strategy and its benefits.