The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has raised concerns over what it sensed as potential violations of its code in the acquisition of broadcasting rights by New World TV (NWTV) and sports marketing agency, Media Business Solutions (MBS) for the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to kickoff this weekend in Ivory Coast, platinumnewsng.com is reporting.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the situation at hand in a press statement released by the Nigeria’s Broadcast Regulatory Authority, it cited clues to the breaches of its broadcast code, designed to protect the interest of local TV industry and viewership in the country.
Amidst the tussle for supremacy of international rights for the Africa’s biennial tournament between Pan-African pay TV giants like Startimes and SuperSport, for which has put a snag in the exclusive award of rights to New World TV (NWTV), a Togo-based satellite television network as the winners of a local bidding process.
This, however, has resulted to delays in hampering Free-To-Air broadcasters like the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) from securing necessary sponsorships, raising the ominous spectre of a potential blackout in Nigeria.
Without mincing words, the NBC, has fired off letters to NWTV and Confederation of African Football (CAF), warning of the looming crisis and demanding swift resolution to avert a spectacle that could leave millions of Nigerian football fans in the dark.
In an official communication from the Director-General of NBC, Charles Ebuebu, to the Managing Director of NWTV and the CEO of MBS; Mr. Nimomka Kolani, and Mr. Richard Dimosi respectively, the letter sounded the need to tackle several issues, that if left unaddressed, could have adverse consequences not just for the involved entities but also for the broader interests of Nigerian broadcasters and viewers.
The NBC has expressed concerns over the bundling of Pan-African rights by NWTV and ongoing discussions with Startimes, emphasizing the potential infringement upon the rights of local broadcasters, that if implemented, could jeopardize fair competition within the Nigerian broadcast industry and football fans in the country.
In addition to, the regulatory authority also emphasized the urgency of the matter and its potential impact on the broadcast of AFCON 2023, urging all parties involved to strictly adhere to the provisions of the NBC Code. Failure to comply may result in legal consequences and potential penalties.
As the industry awaits responses from NWTV and MBS, the regulatory authority is keen on ensuring a fair and transparent process in acquiring and broadcasting sporting events in Nigeria.