Challenges of Digital Switchover in Nigeria

Juliana Ezeaku I.

Department of Mass Communication Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

The use of digital technology facilitates the coverage of computer, telecommunication, audio and visual and consumer electrical and electronic gadgets. It is making considerable impact on the broadcasting industry, on individual, families and on society as a whole. All governments attach great importance to digitization and formulate policies and plans, reflecting active encouragement of digitization. There are a lot of benefits derivable from switching from analogue to digital TV broadcasting in Nigeria; nevertheless, this paper identified a series of challenges to the process of digitization in Nigeria among which are the lack of fund, the lack of skilled manpower, knowledge gap (poor audience sensitization on digitization process), and the apparent lack of enthusiasm from the government among others. Based on this, there is need for government to ensure enhanced delivery of digital broadcast equipment by removing all tariffs on these equipment and where possible, mandates their assemblage in the country. This will make the equipment generally affordable and easy to acquire. Also, relevant training and educational programs in the use and management of digital technology should be conceived and used as strategies to build the capacity of media personnel in the country. This will enable the presence of a skilled manpower to operate the digital equipment. Lastly, the Nigerian government should accept to make sufficient financial sacrifices to entirely support the process.

Keywords: Digitization, Switchover, Challenges, Benefits, Broadcasting

CITE AS: Juliana Ezeaku I. (2024). Challenges of Digital Switchover in Nigeria. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF CURRENT ISSUES IN ARTS AND MANAGEMENT 3(1):32-35.