Expression of Interest to Bid for a Digital TV Licence to Deliver Free to View (FTV) Channel Content Across Nigeria through the Nigerian National Free TV Platforms at the National Broadcasting Commission
Public Notice
National Broadcasting Commission
Expression of Interest to Bid for a Digital TV Licence to Deliver Free to View (FTV) Channel Content Across Nigeria through the Nigerian National Free TV Platforms.
(1) The National Broadcasting Commission (Commission) is the regulatory authority for the broadcasting industry in Nigeria. The Commission is mandated by Section 2(1) of the National Broadcasting Commission Act, Cap. N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004 to amongst others, regulate and control broadcasting in Nigeria.
(2) The Commission has proposed the introduction of a National Common Set Top Box System which will provide a platform for the introduction of Conditional Access, Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) and many new value added services, such as; interactive services, interactive advertising, and e-Government services. Additional STB peripherals such as Personal Video Recording (PVR) and Wi-Fi enabling devices will also be governed under these national standards. National hardware standardisation will ensure that only type-approved STBs and other Integrated Digital Television Sets (IDTVs) that conform to government standards and specifications are able to receive DTT and DTH transmission. This standardisation and industry leading conditional access controls will protect the transmission of content by licensed channel content providers.
(3) Audience Measurement
The National Common Set Top Box System will also be used to perform detailed audience measurement. Data will be shared with licensed channel content providers and advertisers. This significant development in the- Nigerian TV ecosystem will enable the TV advertising industry to deliver more effective and targeted digital advertising content, increase investment in good local productions and promote healthy competition amongst licensed channel owners and advertisers to deliver the best content to the Nigerian TV audience.
(4) Channel Strategy
The Commission recognises that, a successful digital switchover (DSO), and the rapid free view digital TV (FT V) uptake across Nigeria, is dependent on consumer willingness to acquire a set-top-box (STB). The provision of a compelling bouquet of high quality FTV channels is the critical factor in the consumers’ STB acquisition decision. The Commission will consider proposals on a fair, reasonable & non-discriminatory selection process measured against:
- High quality domestic and international content.
- Great choice of FTV content.
- Channel appeal across a range of demographics; and
- Mix of new/original programming and library content.
(5) Channel Genres
Following the Commission’s assessment of current television market, which exposed serious gaps in the content available to adequately serve the social and economic needs of Nigerians, the Commission is therefore inviting expressions of interest from interested organizations to submit proposals for the establishment and licensing of the following Free to view (FTV) channels which shall fell under the following TV genres:
- General entertainment
- Kids
- Lifestyle
- Sports
- Movies/ Soaps/Sitcoms
- Music
- Documentaries
- Factual / News
These channels shall strictly comply with the programming mandates of the Commission as well as the Nigerian Broadcasting Code and other conditions to be set out in the Licence granted to a successful applicant.
(6) EoI Request
The Commission is requesting for Expression of Interest from Nigerian and International channel content providers to provide FTV digital television content, which will be transmitted to Nigerian households through the National Common Set Top Box System.
The EoI shall include indicative proposals including the following:
(a) A proposal for new/original FTV channel content.
(b) A proposal for historic library FTV channel content.
(c) Local content proposals. Note that for International channels seeking entry, there is a target of at least 30% of content, which should he locally sourced. Parties who demonstrate the building of local programme making capacity will he looked on favourably.
(d) An indication of desired channel transmission coverage: national, regional, local.
(e) An undertaking that all content, both original and library, is fully rights Cleared for FTV transmission in Nigeria.
(f) Anticipated launch date (while the Commission would like channels to he ready to launch in Q3, 2015, it is understood that some channels may require more time)
Successful applicants shall be invited to formally apply for a licence to provide channel content.
(7) Eligibility Criteria
An applicant seeking a channel licence shall neither be a religious organization nor a political party and shall not be adjudged bankrupt, or entered into a scheme of arrangement with creditors.
(a) The applicant shall provide the following information:
(i) Name of Company and contact details – physical address, telephone, functional email address and website address.
(ii) Company profile (company history, relevant experience, services).
(iii) Certificate of incorporation (international channel content providers shall be required to register subsidiaries in Nigeria)
(iv) Certified copy of Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association which shall specify broadcasting as one of its main objects.
(v) Undertaking to pay licence fees which shall be determined by the Commission.
(vi) Undertaking to comply with the National Broadcasting Commission Act, Nigeria Broadcasting Code, Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Legal Framework and Regulations as developed by the Commission or as may be amended from time to time and other applicable Regulations and licence conditions for the operation of the services.
(vii) Reference letter from the Company’s bankers.
(viii) Letter of undertaking in accordance with section 9 (1) (d) of the NBC Act.
(8) Term of Approval
A licence approval of a company by the Commission for the provision of channel content shall be for an initial period of five (5) years commencing from the date of issuance of such licence by the Commission, subject to renewal for another term on fulfillment of prevailing licence conditions. The Commission reserves the right to remove a channel from the national FTV platform if it fails to comply with the conditions of its licence or requirements of this expression of interest after commencement of service or fails to meet its obligations under the broadcasting Code and other regulations of the Commission.
(9) Additional Information
Expression of Interest should be forwarded in one sealed envelope marked at the top left corner and boldly written “NBC/CHANNEL EOT” and hand delivered, posted by registered mail or sent by courier to reach the address below on or before 15th May, 2015 by 12.00 noon. Opening of the Expression of Interest shall take place immediately after at the Commission’s Headquarters:
The Secretary to the Commission
National Broadcasting Commission
Plot 20 Ibrahim Taiwo Road (by Aso Villa)
Abuja
P.M.B 5747, Garki, Abuja
The sealed envelope referred to above shall contain the original in one (1) envelope and clearly marked “Original” and four (4) copies, each of them clearly marked “Copy” in another envelope. In the event of any discrepancy between the original and the copies, the original shall prevail.
(10) The Commission reserves the right to verify the authenticity of claims made by the interested companies and to disqualify any company based on false or unverifiable claim or information.
(11) The Commission shall not be liable for any expenses incurred by interested companies in preparing the Expression of Interest. This advert serves as invitation to the representatives of the companies that are submitting EoI as well as any interested Non-governmental Organisation and members of the general public who may wish to witness the EoI opening exercise.
(12) The Commission reserves the right to inspect or verify claims/information
Submitted as it deems necessary. Similarly, the Commission is not bound to short-list any company and reserves the right to annul the process when unforeseen and justifiable developments warrant such action, without incurring any liability and assigning reasons thereof.
(13) That at any time the Commission discovers that the information submitted for prequalification is false, the Commission reserves the right to disqualify the company.
(14) For enquiries pertaining to this EoI, write to the above contact or send an email to foukwela@nbc.gov.ng and felixeu@nbc.gov.ng
