Wiindhoek
The Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) is engaging local film producers to source more local content for the additional channels created, following the recent digitalisation that entailed migrating from analogue to digital platforms.
Acting NBC Director-General Vezenga Kauraisa said the public broadcaster was assisting local producers to develop content for its new channels.
NBC currently has seven channels on the digital terrestrial television (DTT) bouquet with more channels to follow. At present, three channels are locally and internally produced by NBC inclusive of NBC1, NBC2 and NBC3; two channels are from local Namibian broadcasters; one is a locally owned and produced music channel named THISTV; while one is a locally produced educational channel, EDUTV.
“We have started to engage local producers to ensure that the channels are populated with local content. The accommodation of a local production, THISTV, on our platform and a cooperation agreement signed recently with another local producer to pilot co-productions with NBC are typical examples of our efforts,” stated the acting NBC DG.
NBC wants to see more local content being generated and aired on its channels, including programmes from other African countries. The public broadcaster has already exceeded the 66 percent international target for DDT coverage set by the ITU for June 17 2015 by reaching 70 percent.
“In line with our strategic plan, we are now marching on to 100% coverage by 2019/2020, if not earlier,” said Kauraisa.
Kauraisa said he was continuing to implement initiatives to turn around the fortunes of NBC, which were started during the era of former DG Albertus Aochamub who is now the press secretary at State House.