... State broadcaster now on Channel 45

The Edo State Government has said the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) did not withdraw the license of the State’s Broadcasting Television (EBS TV).

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, urged the public to disregard the false claims describing it as the handiwork of mischief-makers

Osagie explained that against claims that the license of EBS has been withdrawn over statutory failures, the Channel 55 which the station operates on falls within the 700MHz band that is being repurposed by the Federal Government following an international treaty established by the International Telecommunications Union in 2015, of which Nigeria is a signatory.

He disclosed that the NBC has, however, reassigned a new Channel 45 to Edo Broadcasting Service TV.

According to him, “National Broadcasting Commission did not withdraw the licence for Edo Broadcasting Television (EBS TV) over any statutory failures.

“EBS TV, Channel 55 happens to be on the 700MHz band, which according to the NBC is being repurposed following an international treaty of the International Telecommunications Union, in 2015, of which Nigeria is a signatory.”

Osagie said “The directives for the implementation of the resolutions were specific and time-bound. The National Frequency Management Council had set up a committee of the relevant regulatory bodies to ensure a smooth and effective repurposing of the 700MHz band.

“Letters were written to all affected broadcasting stations within the band to inform them of the developments, notify them of new channels to relocate to, and provide their compensation needs for payment.

“Affected Broadcasting stations were negotiated with beginning from around 2020 and 2021.

"Meanwhile, the NBC has reassigned a new Channel 45 to Edo Broadcasting Service TV, while plans are in progress for the compensation for EBS by the NBC.”

On the issue of licence fee, Osagie said the Station was heavily indebted for over a decade, before Governor Godwin Obaseki came into office, adding that in June, 2022, the governor approved and began to clear EBS indebtedness to the regulatory authorities.