A Post-2015 Survey of Nigeria's Failed Transition From Analogue to Digital Television Broadcasting

Abstract

Arising from the International Telecommunications Union’s demands for global digital switch over since 2006 and the June 17, 2015 deadline, the study, investigated Digital Terrestrial Transmission failure in Nigeria: Implication for sustainable development. The study was hinged on, mediamorphosis theory and technological determinism theory. Mixed research design was used. The results show that there is no indices pointing to the fact that Nigeria was ready both technologically and otherwise. Findings show that the level of preparedness towards the transition and audience awareness campaign was very low as 55.4%, representing more than half of TV audience were unaware of digitization and the DTT deadline. Lack of adequate knowledge in practical application of digital technology in broadcasting, politics, lack of funds and commitments on the part of all stakeholders was a major stumbling block. Multiple interferences in transmissions from neighbouring countries were discovered to be the implications of not switching over with negative effect on development of the nation. The study concludes that a lot still needs to be done especially in the area of the application of digital technology in broadcasting. The study recommends that Government, NBC, TV stations and other stakeholders should intensify their efforts towards the success towards DSO.