Radio & TV
Switch Off To Switch On The Economy: Global experts review digital migration
The Digital Dialogue Conference 2018 facilitated by MultiChoice concluded with a panel discussion offering first-hand insight into the successes and challenges associated with the transition to digital terrestrial television broadcasting in Africa, ranging from international coordination, standardisation, regulation, harmonisation and the broader economics of spectrum management and digital migration. The expert panel consisted of Gerhard Petrick, Deputy Chairperson of the Southern African Digital Broadcasting Association (SADIBA), Michèle Coat, Radio Communication Engineer at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Peter Barnet, Chair of CM-WiB at Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) and Greg Bensbert, MBE, General Manager of Digital 3&4 at ITV. The transition to DTT in South- and Southern Africa – has DTT delivered on what was promised? – Gerhard Petrick, SADIBA: “Good progress has been made by selecting and implementing the most advanced and spectrum efficient technology for terrestrial broadcasting. However, significant work remains in yielding the digital dividend, with only a few SADC countries having cleared the dividend bands”, Petrick offered in his opening remarks.
Furthermore, Petrick illustrated how network costs can typically be derived and stated that Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) cost per service should be substantially lower than analogue network costs.
From a consumer value proposition, Petrick confirmed that the digital networks offer better video quality and audio in the interest of the consumers, although most deployments are Standard Definition (SD) instead of High Definition (HD). “There is still potential for more services to be accommodated for the networks that are currently on-air” he remarked. The ITU’s view on the transition to digital broadcasting – Michèle Coat: Coat stated that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) facilitated the planning of the migration to digital and the co-ordinating spectrum requirements. This included a follow-up to the Geneva 2006 (GE-06) conference to plan the digitisation of broadcasting and associated frequency use for 119 countries in Europe, Africa, Middle East, Central Asia.
She confirmed that the remainder of the UHF band (470-694 MHz) is earmarked for broadcasting for the foreseeable future whilst the digital dividend (694-862 MHz) bands to be released in the switchover from analogue to digital TV will play a critical role in delivering broadband wireless access. A perspective on the transition to digital – Peter Barnett (DVB): Barnett gave a review of new developments in DVB – the industry-led consortium of about 160 of the world’s leading digital TV and technology companies, drawn from broadcasters; ttelecommunications network operators; regulators and manufacturers who collectively draft the satellite system standards.
Peter also shared an update of the DVB including DVB-S2X which offers Extended SNR (C/N) range, Finer granularity from additional MODCODs, Additional roll-off values, Channel bonding. And will be available for DTH from early 2018. He also mentioned DVB-SIS – Single Illumination System- a cost efficient delivery of DVB broadcasts onto IP networks and will use 1 transponder to feed both terrestrial transmitters and DTH receivers. The new offering was originally developed for satellite, however, it can also handle terrestrial and cable formats. Also in the new development pipeline is DVB-I (terms of reference approved in Feb 2018) which is set to provide a user perception of a linear TV channel, discovered and consumed over the open internet. Further developments in this space include updates on RCS2 (Return Channel on Satellite); Satellite beam hopping; Low latency IP delivery, updates on Simulcrypt headend, Emergency Warning System, Targeted Advertising and more which are available on www.dvb.org/about/process for the full work plan. The Broadcaster’s perspective – Gregory Bensberg, MBE (ITV):
Has the transition to digital been a success for broadcasters? And how did the transition to digital change the TV universe? Along with the questions, Bensberg also gave some insights from his digital migration work as a key technical and regulatory adviser to UK Government Ministers during the switchover and future demands of technology changes.
Using the UK’s 2005 Analogue Switchover (Digital Migration) as a case study, Peter shared that after migrating to digital, all public service channels in the UK became available to all viewers with more than 20 other new channels created, e.g. Sky News. The migrations also extend the channels’ reach with the government cost-benefit analysis (in 2005) revealing a net benefit of around £2bn to the UK.
Bensberg also shared his insights on how digital migration has allowed broadcast services to better compete with emerging platforms. “The adoption of digital technology has dramatically changed the TV industry in all markets were it has been adopted. The initial response of the content owners to the threat posed by the internet was to revert to legal challenge, either through direct litigation (as in Napster) or via government response creating new laws (as in the DCMA and Digital Economy Act). However, broadcasters have since moved to offer their own content on-line and increasing are aiming to build on their existing platforms to offer a hybrid service to viewers, such as Freeview Play,” says Bensberg. He also adds this has allowed them to offer an official route to accessing their content which they can monetise and gave them control over the branding and prominence of their services.
Gerhard Petrick concluded the panel discussions by stating that digital migration is a vital natural resource and any delays would have long-term consequences to the economy: “The opportunity cost of not yielding dividend bands has a significant negative impact on countries which haven’t implemented digital migration. These bands will play a critical role in providing broadband wireless access and allowing citizens to participate in the economy”.
ENDS
Gerhard Petrick – Deputy Chairperson of the Southern African Digital Broadcasting Association (SADIBA)
Gerhard is the Head of Department: R&D, Shared Services in the Broadcast Technology Department at MultiChoice in South Africa and serves as Deputy Chairperson of the Southern African Digital Broadcasting Association. Gerhard has worked in a variety of engineering and ICT-management fields, served as Councillor of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa and contributed to South Africa’s successful bid to host the international square kilometre array radio telescope. He has more recently worked in engineering management of satellite- and terrestrial PayTV with a focus on team management, link budgets, network planning, frequency- and spectrum management, standardisation, end-to-end testing, service level agreements, interference mitigation and technical training. Gerhard holds a National Higher Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Technikon Witwatersrand, a B.Tech Degree in Business Administration from Technikon South AfricaPeter Barnett – Chair CM-WiB at Digital Video Broadcast (DVB)
Michèle Coat – Radio communication Engineer at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Michèle is a Radiocommunication Engineer. She has been working in ITU since 1984, in the Terrestrial Services Department, based in the development of Terrestrial Software Applications relating to Spectrum Management. She was a member of the BR Technical Secretariat at RRC-04 and RRC-06 for the Planning of the digital terrestrial broadcasting service in parts of Regions 1 and 3, in the frequency bands 174-230 MHz and 470-862 MHz. She then joined the Broadcasting Division in the BR in 2012 and was a member of the BR team assisting Sub-Saharan Africa and the ASMG ITU Member States in the frequency coordination process to facilitate the release of the digital dividends. Peter Barnet, Chair of CM-WiB at Digital Video Broadcast (DVB)
Peter graduated from Imperial College, London in 1976, and began his career in broadcast technology with the Independent Broadcasting Authority. After periods with NTL, NDS and Tandberg Television, in 2003 Peter started his own consultancy business with a focus on digital switchover. He has carried out studies for government departments, and provided training for regulators. He also developed a continuing education course on DTT at the University of Surrey, and for several years was a director of the UK’s Digital Television Group. Peter has been a regular supporter of the DVB Technical Module, and was a member of the Steering Board for approaching 20 years. He is a vice chair of the Commercial Module, and chaired the group that developed the commercial requirements for DVB-S2. He is currently chairing the Study Mission Group looking into commercial aspects of WiB.
Gregory Bensberg – General Manager of Digital 3&4 at ITV
Gregory is the General Manager of Digital 3&4 which manages the broadcasting of ITV and Channel 4’s digital terrestrial services in the UK. He has previously worked as a policy and technical expert at Ofcom and the Independent Television Commission for over 20 years. Gregory acted as a key technical and regulatory adviser to UK Government Ministers whilst they were developing the UK government’s switchover policy. He was also responsible for leading Ofcom’s spectrum clearance programme (800 MHz and 2.6 GHz); which the UK’s 4G spectrum auction in 2013. Gregory led the planning and licensing of the UK’s digital switchover programme including its UHF spectrum strategy) and its adoption of the DVB-T2 standard and the launch of terrestrial HD services in 2009 and also led Ofcom’s Digital Dividend Review project in 2005/06 which laid out the process and principles for the eventual European digital dividend programme. He is a chartered engineer and holds an MBA and BSc. He was honoured by Her Majesty the Queen for his work in communications and media by being made an MBE in 2014.
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Radio & TV
2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) to air LIVE on DStv
MTV has announced the 2024 “VMAs” will make its return to New York on Tuesday, September 10th at the UBS Arena. Airing LIVE on MTV, DStv Channel 130 on Wednesday, 11 September at 1:00am WAT and 2:00am CAT around the world in more than 150 countries. This year’s global fan-filled phenomenon will celebrate the best music videos of the past year with supersized performances, epic tributes, and unforgettable appearances from the world’s biggest celebrities.
“We’re excited to bring this year’s VMAs to UBS Arena, one of the country’s newest and most cutting edge venues,” said Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+. “Celebrating one of music’s biggest nights with the incredible, robust New York area fans is something we’ve been looking forward to since the moment last year’s show ended.”
“It’s an honor to host MTV and the VMAs at UBS Arena,” said Mark Shulman, Senior Vice President of Programming, UBS Arena. “This is the culmination of bringing a world class event to a venue that offers state of the art capabilities and the best in fan amenities. We look forward to welcoming this year’s top artists, fans, and viewers worldwide to experience our arena and campus at Belmont Park.”
“We are excited to welcome back the MTV Video Music Awards to New York State,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “From its origins at Radio City Music Hall in 1984 to this September’s event at the UBS Arena, the VMAs continue to captivate millions, showcasing the very best in music video artistry. As we prepare to host this 40th anniversary event, let’s embrace the spirit of creativity and innovation that defines our state’s cultural landscape.”
The “VMAs” will air across MTV’s global footprint of linear and digital platforms in more than 150 countries and territories, reaching over 319 million households.
Additional details will be announced closer to the show. Follow @MTV and @VMAs on social to keep up with all-things #VMAs.
Radio & TV
Who is the Real “Kitchen Mama”??? Bolanle Omotayo of Schneider Electric and Yemisi Obe of Grandios Pap Compete in a fierce Pasta Battle on Episode 3 of Cooking With GameChangers
It’s a battle for the best on the new episode of Cooking With Game Changers!
On this episode, Bolanle Omotayo, Marketing & Communications Manager at Schneider Electric, Anglophone West Africa, and Yemisi Obe, Founder of Grandios Pap, slug it out for the Ultimate GameChanger title by preparing their unique versions of pasta.
A day in the life of these GameChangers is explored after which they battle in the kitchen for the title of “Ultimate GameChanger” even as our Judges M.I Abaga, Kaffy and Captain Toba determine who wears the crown. Daniel Etim-Effiong, the show host, makes their time on Cooking with GameChangers extremely delightful.
Who will win this episode? Watch now
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Watch a day in the life of Bolanle Omotayo of Schneider Electrics- https:/www.youtube.com/watch?
Watch a day in the life of Yemisi Obe of Grandios Pap – https://www.youtube.com/watch?
You can watch previous episodes of Cooking with GameChangers here:
https://youtube.com/playlist?
Cooking with GameChangers follows a-day–in-the-life of a top corporate executive and entrepreneur who ends up in the Cooking with GameChangers kitchen for a cook-off supervised/judged by celebrity host, Daniel Etim-Effiong and judges M.I Abaga, Kaffy, and Captain Toba.
Cooking with GameChangers is a spinoff of Nigeria’s most syndicated talk show, “Binging With GameChangers” which garners over 60 million monthly viewers and airs on TV stations nationwide.
Watch the latest episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Subscribe to YouTube Channel: @B2GNetwork
Watch the show every weekend on TV stations nationwide:
SATURDAYS:
NTA Network: Saturdays at 10.30 AM
Silverbird: Saturdays at 1.30 PM
Views Channel: Saturday 6:30 PM; Repeat: Mondays at 9:30 PM; Wednesdays at 9 PM
SUNDAYS:
Africa Magic Family: Sundays at 3.30 PM: Repeat: Wednesdays at 1.30 PM
TVC: Sundays at 5.30 PM
NTA2: Sundays at 5.30 PM
Wazobia Max: Sundays at 5.30 PM; Repeat Mondays at 7 PM
Wazobia TV: Sundays at 5.30 PM; Repeat: Mondays at 7 PM
Follow the show across social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@
LinkedIn: @CookingwithGameChangers
Cooking with GameChangers is proudly supported by Power Oil, 2Sure and Aquafina.
Media Partners: BellaNaija, Pulse.ng and Ameyaw Debrah.
Radio & TV
Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio this Friday with Ruger & BNXN
This Week’s Episode Features a Conversation With Ruger and Bnxn, the 5 Hottest Tracks of the Week, Africa Rising and Nandi Madida’s Favourite Track of the Week!
Tune in to Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida this Friday, April 19th 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.
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Radio & TV
Watch Trailer: The Real Housewives of Nairobi is back for S2
Radio & TV
Turn your home into a wonderland of fun with DStv’s 30 days of free Kids Channels
The school bells may be resting, but DStv entertainment bells are ringing even louder! This school holiday season, we’re gifting DStv Access customers and up with 30 days of access to all our kids channels, offered at no additional cost from Friday 12 April to Saturday 11 May. It’s our way of adding more fun and more choice to your family’s holiday entertainment.
This holiday, DStv’s line-up is more than just television; it’s a doorway to new worlds that spark imagination and joy. Join our favourite feline hero in the daring adventures of The Adventures of Puss in Boots on Dreamworks, as he goes on exciting quests in a quest for redemption, armed with his legendary charm and wit. On the Disney channel, join Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug & Cat Noir as two Parisian teenagers, Marinette and Adrien, transform into the superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir to protect the city from supervillains, all while navigating the challenges of teenage life. And don’t miss the premiere of Lu & the Bally Bunch on Cartoonito, where Lu and her family of lovable creatures explore the magical world of Ballyland, teaching valuable lessons about friendship, empathy, and understanding along the way.
At DStv, we believe in entertainment that educates, inspires, and protects. Our Parental Control feature is developed with your family’s safety in mind, allowing you to personalise your kids’ viewing experience with customisable settings. Whether it’s setting viewing limits or selecting suitable content, DStv empowers you to create a safe viewing environment, giving you peace of mind while the little ones enjoy their holiday to the fullest.
Don’t let this holiday be just another break. Let it be the perfect time for your children to explore, learn, and grow with DStv’s wide variety and carefully curated content. And when the holidays are over, you don’t have to say goodbye to the fun. Stay connected or upgrade your subscription through the MyDStv app, and continue to explore a world where entertainment and education go hand in hand.
If you’re on the go, DStv Stream can guarantee your holiday stays packed with access to educational and entertaining content. Let DStv be the gift that keeps on giving, offering your family with endless options and memories.
Radio & TV
DStv Delivers Choice and Value for Exciting Entertainment Moments In April
Get ready to be glued to your screens this month as DStv brings you an exciting line-up of drama, action, edutainment, and more. With a diverse range of content catering to every taste, DStv ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Renowned for its commitment to local content, DStv continues to captivate audiences with compelling dramas that strike a chord with viewers nationwide. This month is no exception, as viewers can anticipate on Akwaaba Magic now opened to Access customers the return of Inspector Bediako Mondays at 9pm (Ch. 150), continuing episodes of Ahenfie and endless love stories on Love Notes at 8pm on Sundays.
As usual DStv brings viewers a selection of world’s best international, first to Ghanaian homes, offering customers a carefully scheduled experienced with minimal repeats This month, we’ve made some strategic adjustments to our channel line-up, streamlining it to ensure a more optimised and high-quality programming experience. Now we ensure more quality on the international channels you have remaining.
In April, catch a line-up of top-tier international content, including the gripping political thriller The Regime on M-Net (DStv channel 102), starring the talented Kate Winslet. Get ready for an action-packed adventure as The Flash on MM1 (DStv channel 104) takes superheroes back in time. Delve into the intriguing world of drug smuggling with Narco Wars on National Geographic (DStv channel 181). Don’t miss this April’s unparalleled movie offering of a new movie every day with the specially curated movie channels, including blockbusters and family favourites like Meet Dave starring Eddie Murphy on Studio Universal (DStv channel 112) and Last Seen Alive with Gerard Butler on MM2 (DStv channel 106).
Additionally, DStv continues to be the home of the best sports, with coverage of major events like the FA Cup Semi-Finals on Supersport and plenty other sporting action.
Kids also have a reason to tune in for The Adventures of Puss in Boots on Dreamworks (DStv channel 304) and the wonderful world of Hailey’s On It! on Disney Channel (DStv channel 303) and much more!
Plus, DStv remains your window to the world, with 15 news channels providing comprehensive coverage of African and international events. This comprehensive selection guarantees you’re always informed, entertained, and connected, no matter where you are.
Entertainment across all packages
- Premium package: Unlock over 15 local content channels, alongside flagship sports channels covering everything from Motorsport to Tennis, and over 15 kids’ channels including DreamWorks and Disney Channel.
- Compact+: Enjoy homegrown entertainment and exclusive sports content like UFC and NBA, alongside 14 kids’ channels for endless family fun.
- Compact: Choose from 14 local content channels, and step into the excitement with WWE, offering a blend of entertainment and athleticism, complemented by 10 kids’ channels.
- Family package: Enjoy a wide selection of comedies, dramas, and lifestyle shows, alongside engaging sports content and 10 local content channels.
- Access package: Access over 30 hours of the best local stories and a wide range of sports content, alongside 8 educational and entertaining kids’ channels.
- Lite package: Catch up with local stars and the pulse of sports entertainment with DStv Lite, offering 5 kids’ channels for our youngest viewers.
Stay connected and never miss a moment of your favourite shows and sports. Whether you’re on the move or cosy at home, the MyDStv app is your access point to connect or reconnect to your home of entertainment. With just a few taps, you can manage your account, explore our vast entertainment options, and ensure you’re always up to date with the latest from DStv.
And there’s more – with DStv Stream, your favourite stories are always at your fingertips. No matter where life takes you, you’re covered.
For a complete list of what’s on, be sure to check out your TV Guide on the DStv Website.
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