Governor Godswill
Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has urged the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to ensure that all broadcast stations in the country are completely digitised by 2015.
Akpabio made the call in Uyo on Wednesday when he declared open a five-day workshop organised by the commission for stakeholders in the industry.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Aniekan Umanah, stressed the need for NBC to ensure proper regulation of the electronic media.
“I took time to look at some of the issues you are discussing and I’m glad to note that they are very relevant to the current development in the broadcast industry.
“Your role as the regulator is very important, especially with the journey to a new political era.
“There is need for you to speed up the process because the broadcast industry cannot move forward without regulation, otherwise we will allow breaking news to break the society”, the governor said
He noted that digital broadcasting was a global phenomenon for better pictures, sound quality and more channels for viewers and listeners.
He said this was a great challenge to the commission hence proactive measures should be put in place.
Akpabio, however, advised the commission to ensure adequate sensitisation of the public on the implications of the switch over.
The Director-General of the NBC, Mr Emeka Mba, said the workshop was to equip members of staff on how to overcome the challenges associated with the impending global switch over to digital  broadcasting.
Mba said, “in two years, Nigeria will be transiting into digital broadcasting which requires a new set of skills.
“Therefore, it is important that we have a good picture of some of the likely issues and challenges and begin to train ourselves by examining how that transition has occurred in other countries.”