The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed on Tuesday reassured that Digital Switch Over (DSO), the process of transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting was on course.
The minister gave the reassurance when he received officials of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) led by its Chairman, Mr John Momoh in his office in Abuja.
Addressing newsmen after a closed door session with the delegation, the minister said that government would carry all stakeholders along to ensure a successful transition.
“The meeting discussed the overall survival of the industry and the good thing about it is that we have all agreed to work together.
“We also agreed that none of the concerns raised by stakeholders are insurmountable with the cooperation of all.
“We resolved that the DSO is on course and the cheery news is that BON has agreed to give its contributions and ideas that will ensure a successful switch over,’’ he said.
The minister said the meeting also deliberated on other issues affecting the broadcast industry including, audience measurement, licensing regime, industry debt issue plan and FM Radio transmitter power and coverage area.
Momoh, who was also at the briefing, said that the meeting afforded members of his organisation the opportunity to let the minister and other stakeholders understand the challenges inhibiting their operations.
Momoh, who is the Chairman of Channels Television, said BON members were also briefed on what government was doing on DSO.
“We have a better picture of the DSO and we also have the agreement to work together for the success of the transition.
“We are leaving here happy and we believe it is a work in progress. We are confident that at the end of the day, we will have a successful DSO and an industry that is thriving,’’ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, the Director-General of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Modibbo Kawu said the commission would work with relevant stakeholders including BON.
He stressed that his commission’s relation with BON was central to the success of DSO.