Written by Paul Adom Otchere[/caption] The story begins when the 150-year-old telecoms organization, called the International Telecoms Union (ITU), decides that globally; all television transmission must be conducted in digital as opposed to analogue broadcasting which had been the traditional method of transmission. Analogue TV and digital TV The difference is similar to the analogue mobile phones, where phone calls to a handset, did not indicate the name or number of the caller, and when phones could not send text messages across to other phones. So, just as the GSM network allowed the phones to offer information and quality of voice by showing the name of caller during a phone call and being able to send text, picture and video messages, so will digital TV offer more detail and quality of the content we will be watching. Key characteristics of digital TV *All TV stations can be seen nationwide *All TV picture and sound quality will be high and the same for every station *TV pictures will mostly be seen via a box or a decoder. How will the occurrence of digital TV appear in homes? So the system (analogue) by which we watch general free-to-air TV Chanel’s such as GTV, TV3, METRO TV and VIASAT or UTV, will be switched off as according to ITU directions. That means, we can only continue to watch TV by obtaining the decoders or boxes that will be provided in the market.
This box will have at least 40 channels. The first 20 channels will have all the 20 TV stations that we are used to watching for free. So we can now see our favourite TV stations on those 20 channels with standardized good picture and sound quality and also across the nation. The next set of 20 or more channels may be designed as pay TV channels so that people must pay per month, or in the case of special events pay per view to see those channels. What kind of content will be on the other channels? What has happened in other countries is that, the existing channels as we know them have created new platforms and migrated their most popular programs onto the other pay channels. So for instance, TV3 could create TV3 plus; and migrate their best programs to those channels. That means, a non-paying subscriber will be limited to see only the first 20 channels, which will include TV3 regular, but may not see “Ghana’s most beautiful” if that has been shifted to TV3 PLUS.Same as if VIASAT decides to migrate a program like, “at home with Joselyn Dumas” to VIASAT EXTRA on the pay side of the box, a subscriber who is non-paying; will not see that show live. The TV channels may decide to show the premium content the next day on the free channels as well. So that “Ghana most beautiful” will show live on Sunday night on TV3 PLUS; but will show the next day on Monday evening on TV3 regular etc. The other kind of content that could be made available on the pay side; is the SPECIAL EVENTS channel that will broadcast special events such as sports events (Black Stars games or Mayweather fights) movie premiere and reality shows etc. These will also be aired at high premium so that even if a subscriber is already paying, she may have to pay extra fee to see that premium content whilst non-paying subscribers will pay a bit just to see the special event content only. So that one may be a non-paying subscriber; and therefore sees only the regular 20 channels; but on a particular day, he wants to see the Black Stars game against England, he is happy to pay for that only; and return to his non-paying status, the system and decoder should allow one to see that. How close are we to full migration? Currently, the NCA appears to have completed the roll out of transmission capacity almost across the entire country, and should complete the process later in 2017, to meet the new deadline so that migration should begin with key regions in Ghana from last quarter of 2017 What is the policy to get out the decoders/boxes to the general public? Research has indicated that in Ghana, there could be about 8 million households with TV sets watching TV in the current analogue system. That means, at the outset, we will need 8 million decoders for our people to acquire. The NDC government’s published decision was to secure 1 million decoders to distribute to identifiable people who may not be able to afford to pay for boxes. The other citizens were to acquire the boxes from vendors licensed by the NCA, and who will sell different capacities of boxes from the basic to the more sophisticated, and able to conduct different application of transmission, such as recording live programs, catch up with old programs, video on demand etc. What is encryption? Encryption is understood as the system that creates a conditional access to the content from the decoder. That means some of the content is blocked until a subscriber has paid to open up access. So that is the system that will be used for the second set of twenty channels. Most likely, mobile phones will become the platform on which we will pay to get access to the encrypted content for the encrypted content. Concerns over the use of encryption The NCA seems to have adopted and expressed a policy where the encryption of the boxes will not be compulsory especially for the first 1 million boxes or the basic standard. They have defended the view that encrypting those boxes will make it expensive for government to purchase for our people (that is granting that the new NCA/Ministry adopts that policy). Why must all boxes be encrypted by a common standard set by the NCA? The boxes must be encrypted so that the subscriber can decide to pay for more content or to keep to the free content available on the box. If for instance a non-paying subscriber wants to pay to watch just a special event say a Black Stars game, he must be able to do so and return to his non-paying status until the next event that he wants to pay to see. If the first million are not encrypted, that subscriber may have to get another decoder that may have encryption into his home to see a special event or a program that he likes, that means two boxes in his home. Why must the NCA determine a common encryption standard for all boxes? The NCA must be guided by best practices, to establish a common encryption standard for all boxes within Ghana. If content providers and TV stations are allowed to engage their own encryption, this is what will happen, a subscriber will find out that his favorite program, say Ghana’s most beautiful, is on a decoder B which is encrypted, then another favorite program is on decoder C encrypted differently, then the special events is on another decoder with a separate encryption system, so the subscriber needs about 4 or 5 decoders in his home, that’s unhelpful. When we have a standardized encryption system, the subscriber can watch free to air channels, can switch to become a pay subscriber and switch back to non-paying the next month, and can also watch special events all on the same single decoder in his home. How will government generate revenue? The idea is that, government will set up a digital migration company that will manage the channels. That company will take a commission for all content encrypted. So that the more content and the more subscribers that pay for content, the more revenue at hand for government. For instance in a particular month, 10 million Ghanaians have each paid 2 cedis for content ranging from people who watched Ghana’s most beautiful on TV3 PLUS, those who viewed entertainment programs, news programs and special event programs, the government receives commissions and fees for being the spectrum operator, those monies can be used to run the system to reduce burden on tax money. How will employment be created? Because content can be monetized, more people will get into providing good quality content, as the system will birth a new and profitable industry around TV and video content. Many more music videos will be done of good quality, news type content and films will be produced and monetized for profit. This industry will spur on other connected industries like garment, food, transport, etc. Once people like the content and are happy to pay minimum fees of say 1 cedi and 2 cedis for it, the industry will be kept alive and can employ many more people. That’s how the American TV industry became great, that’s how Oprah Winfrey was created, that’s how news media in America became sustainable to facilitate good governance and democracy, that’s how reality shows produced wealthy outcomes to spur the growth of wealth in the industry. How will the advertising market benefit? The advertising system will now be able to obtain objective numbers on the ratings of programs because under digital TV, the system can produce the exact number of eyeballs that watched a TV show and the social and economic demographics to which they belong. That way, the advertiser can decide clearly where to place his adverts depending on the type of audience that he targets. It will signify the end of subjective guesswork on program ratings. Conclusions Digital television has been used to create huge industry and wealth for nations such as the US, Europe and Asia. We now have a wonderful opportunity to stop applying taxpayer’s money to pay our Sports men, as we can generate money from monetizing their content both in Ghana and abroad whenever they play as in the case of our footballers. Content monetization must be the key driver of digital migration, so, will Joe Anokye’s Anchor hold, Congratulations Sir and welcome aboard. By: Paul Adom-Otchere]]>
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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