The Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria, (IBAN), has inaugurated its new Board of Trustees and Executive Council members during a ceremony at the Channels Television headquarters in Lagos.
Dr. John Momoh was sworn-in as Chairman of IBAN’s Board of Trustees, and Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan as the Chairman of the Executive Council.
In his opening remarks, IBAN Chairman, Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, said the future of Nigerias media industry hinges on stakeholders ability to collaborate effectively. He outlined IBANs plans for increased engagement with other key players in the industry.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, pledged NBCs support for IBAN, emphasising the Commissions commitment to an open dialogue with industry stakeholders. We may not agree on everything, but we can agree to disagree, he noted, highlighting the importance of cooperation despite differing perspectives.
Chairman of Channels Media Group, John Momoh addressed the need for traditional media platforms to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. He discussed the impact of digital disruption and declining advertising revenues on media organisations, noting that regulatory bodies should support, not hinder the industrys growth.
One crucial area we must address is the NBC Code. Currently, it imposes restrictions that limit our competitiveness. We call on the National Broadcasting Commission to collaborate with us on a more supportive Broadcasting Code – one aligned with international standards and the unique needs of Nigerian broadcasters, he stated.
The former NBC Director-General, Prof Amstrong Idachaba, who was the Guest Speaker, focused more on the implementation and eventual failure of the Digital Switch-Over (DSO) project. We can say theres no transparency in the way the DSO was handled, he said.
