The Nation Newspaper

Tag: DStv

  • Timi Dakolo, DNA, Waje, Lira set to thrill, as AMVCAs holds Saturday

    Timi Dakolo, DNA, Waje, Lira set to thrill, as AMVCAs holds Saturday

    Nigerian singer, Timi Dakolo, and two of Africa’s leading vocalists Waje and Lira, are billed to perform at the fifth edition of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) holding at the Eko Hotel on Saturday, March 4, 2017.

    Organisers say viewers can tune in to watch the show live on all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv from 4:00 pm Nigerian time.

    The AMVCA which started in 2013 will, according to promoters, get bigger with top contenders across Africa competing for honours in a number of voting, non-voting and online polling categories including the newly introduced recognition award for M-Net’s original productions.

    The Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said: “We are excited to once again celebrate the finest hands in African film and television. This is the fifth edition of the awards, and we urge viewers from all across Africa and the rest of the world to tune in on Saturday, the 4th of March as we find out who wins top honours this year. The show promises to be a great experience for our esteemed guests on the ground and the many viewers at home, as some of Africa’s biggest names in music will be performing.”

    Timi Dakolo
    Timi Dakolo

    Managing Director of MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe said: “We are delighted to once again bring the AMVCAs to our viewers across Africa. MultiChoice is a firm believer in recognising established and budding talent in the film and television industry, even as we remain committed to endeavours that recognise the hard work these talents put in every day, behind and in front of the cameras. We urge our viewers from across the country to catch the show as it promises to be truly exciting.”

    The will be broadcast on all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv from 4:00pm Nigerian time.

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  • Catch the Oscars on DStv

    Catch the Oscars on DStv

    THE 89th edition of the Academy Awards, otherwise known as the Oscars, Hollywood’s biggest awards ceremony, to be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, holds tonight at the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, California.

    To be televised in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide, it will also be broadcast live to Nigerian viewers on DStv this Monday, February 27, on M-Net Movies Premiere, DStv channel 104 at 2:30am and during Prime Time on M-Net, DStv channel 101/102, from 6:30pm.

    There will be performances by Oscar-nominees Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sting, Justin Timberlake and 2014 Oscar-winner John Legend. A movie to watch out for which is still looking forward to a haul is romantic comedy, La La Land which picked up 14 Oscar nominations, tying the record held by All About Eve and Titanic.

    Also, the 2017 edition had made a record with six black actors being nominated for their performances, the most thus far.

    Movies currently distributed by M-Net; Hacksaw Ridge, Florence Foster Jenkins and La La Land are also competing for the most coveted award in their categories.

  • Xenophobia: Students give DSTv, MTN 48hours to leave Nigeria

    Xenophobia: Students give DSTv, MTN 48hours to leave Nigeria

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Thursday in Abuja staged a peaceful protest against renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

    The students, led by their President, Mr Aruna Kadiri, while addressing newsmen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, urged the government to take concrete action to protect Nigerians in South Africa.

    The students also demanded that Nigeria should severe ties with South Africa over the incessant attacks of its citizens in that country.

    “We are demanding that they should break the ties between both countries if there’s any because the xenophobic attacks that had happened long time ago has come again.

    “We have decided to clear the madness with madness,” he said.

    He said they had burnt the South African flag at the High Commission to pass a message that “we don’t have a relationship with them any longer”.

    The protesting students, who issued a 48-hour ultimatum to South African nationals to leave Nigeria, said they were earlier at MTN office in Maitama and Multi-Choice in the Central Business District of Abuja to express their grievances.

    They also urged the High Commission officials to cancel the dinner organised in honour of Regina Tambo, the co-founder of ANC Youth League.

    Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Clement Aduku, who addressed the protesting students, appealed for calmness, saying the federal government is constructively engaging the South African government over the issue.

    Aduku also assured that all diplomatic means would be explored to stop the killings of Nigerian nationals in South Africa.

  • Nigerian, Ethopian teens win DStv Eutelsat Star Awards

    Nigerian, Ethopian teens win DStv Eutelsat Star Awards

    t was a day of victory for Nigeria last Tuesday when Emmanuel Ochenjele, a Benue-born teenager, was announced winner of the poster category of the 6th DSTV Eutelsat Star Awards.

    It was the first time in the history of the competition that a Nigerian would win one of the two categories of the competition which challenges students aged 14-19 to write essays and design posters on satellite- related themes.

    In past editions, DSTV Nigeria used to celebrate the best entries from the country which did not win on the continental stage.

    However last week, when the awards was holding in Nigeria for the first time, a Nigerian was named winner of the poster category.

    Leoul Mesfin of Ethiopia won the essay category.

    They were honoured at a star-studded dinner held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island after a seven-man panel of judges led by Claudie Haigneré, Europe’s first female astronaut, screened the entries that made it to the final stage.

    Mesfin’s essay on how new age satellite would benefit Africa’s development got praises from judges because of his treatment of continental and country specific needs.

    Ochenjele’s poster was adjudged the best for the way he depicted how satellites could help address problems like global warming, conservation, energy supply, while showing how all such advancements are made for the benefits of man.

    The pupil of Zamani College, Kaduna, will visit Eutelsat Satellite Company in Paris to understand how satellites are operated, as well as a satellite factory, while Mesfin will visit Paris to witness the launch of a rocket into space to place a satellite into orbit.

    Davids Bwana from Tanzania, runner-up in the essay category, won a trip for two to visit MultiChoice facilities and the South African National Space Agency near Johannesburg, while Aobakwe Letamo from Botswana was the runner up in the same category.

    The schools of the four winners got DStv installation, including dish, TV set, PVR decoder and free access to the DStv Education Bouquet.

    The competition attracted over 1,000 entries from 20 countries.

    Claudie Haigneré, who is also a special advisor to the Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), said the judging process was transparent as the panel did not know who owned the works until the winners were decided.

    She expressed delight at judging the entries.

    She said: “Taking part in the DStv Eutelsat Star Awards for the first time has been quite simply a mind-changing experience, especially as this year’s topic was particularly challenging. The visionary ideas on Africa’s future satellite landscape developed in essays and posters underscore how Africa’s youth expect technology to drive positive change for their continent. The Jury engaged in intense discussions to award the most realistic and creative proposals that deserve to stand out on the African stage. Our congratulations go to all the finalists for their work and to the winners for their brilliant ideas.”

    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication Technology, Mr. Sunny Echono, who announced the winners, praised the quality of entries.

    “To my mind, this sixth edition shows sustained interest from African youths, adding fresh impetus to the mission shared by MultiChoice and Eutelsat to encourage young minds to positively change their world via innovative thinking in science and technology. This can be attested to by the number of Ministries, Departments and Agencies present at this event.”

  • ‘76’ TO AIR ON DSTV BOX OFFICE

    FOLLOWING a successful cinema run, historical thriller, 76, will be available for rent on DStvBoxOffice from Monday, February 13.

    Making the announcement, General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho said the company is excited to make the movie available to its subscribers on the DStv Box Office platform.

    “Our mission is to provide value to our customers by making great entertainment more accessible and at an affordable price. The movie ’76 with its compelling story line, quality production and stellar cast, is a compelling portrayal of an unforgettable date in Nigeria’s history and we believe that it will make a great movie pick for the whole family”, said Mabutho.

    Produced and directed by Izu Ojukwu and Adonaija Owiriwa the movie stars talented actors like Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, Ibinabo Fiberesima, ChidiMokeme and Daniel K. Daniel, and a host of others.

    76 is set against the backdrop of the attempted coup of 1976 and the assassination of Head of State Murtala Mohammed.

    The drama chronicles the lives of a young officer, Dewa (Ramsey Nouah) and his pregnant wife, Suzy (Rita Dominic) who are reluctantly caught up in events that rocked the whole country.

    The movie earned 14 nominations at the 2017 edition of the prestigious AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA).

  • First woman astronaut to judge DStv Eutelsat contest

    A former astronaut and French Minister, now special advisor to European Space Agency’s (ESA) Director General, Claudie Haigneré has accepted to chair the prestigious Jury of the DStv Eutelsat Star Awards. It is the first time a woman takes on this assignment, providing  strong incentive for students dreaming big, especially young women, to live up to their full potential.

    The competition features an essay and poster art work around the theme: “The role played by satellite technology in the Africa of the future”.  Entries were received from secondary school pupils/undergraduates aged 14-19 across Africa.

    Claudie Haigneré will preside over an international panel of skilled industry experts, government and academic world members, including: Ronke Bello, CEO at Innovative Technology Literacy Services Ltd (Nigeria); Rodney Benn, Regional Director for Africa at Eutelsat; Melt Loubser, GM: Broadcast Technology MultiChoice Africa; and Elizabeth Ohene, journalist and former Minister of State to the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports (Ghana).

    Others are: Prof Stephen Simukanga, Former University of Zambia Chancellor and now Director General of the Higher Education Authority; John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria; and Jenerali Ulimwengu, writer, columnist and lawyer (Tanzania).

    The essay, poster winners and runners-up of this year’s edition will be revealed at a ceremony to hold in Lagos, February 7, 2017.

    Nearly 6,000 secondary school pupils have entered the DStv Eutelsat Star Awards competition since it was established by Eutelsat and MultiChoice Africa in 2011.

  • Lumen Christi Channel now on DStv

    A Catholic TV Channel, Lumen Christi, was yesterday launched on the DStv platform by Multichoice Nigeria. The station which is on Channel 350 is subscribers on Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family and Access.
    Lumen Christi Television Network (LCTN) is a Catholic television channel that showcases the principles and doctrines of the Catholic Church. The channel will broadcast programmes centered on faith that will appeal to the whole family. It will also broadcast in-house news segment, teachings by priests and scholars, interviews as well as musicals, dramas, documentaries and videos.
    Speaking on the latest development, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe said the addition of the channel is in line with the company’s strategy to provide a diversified range of content that will appeal to its different subscribers.
    “We are making great content more accessible with the launch of Lumen Christi and we believe it will enrich the lives of our subscribers especially those of the Catholic faith,” said Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe.
    “Our subscribers remain our number one priority; so we listen to them and provide them with more of their favourite content, at great value.”

  • ‘Why Netflix, DStv show old films’

    As video-on-demand (VoD) goes mainstream, consumers are complaining that movies on streaming services are old.

    Head of Operations, Discover Digital, Taryn Uhlmann, said: “VOD services are coming to market as a digital, more convenient version of the physical video stores of the past.”

    Discover Digital is a digital entertainment and VoD services company. It is also the upstream provider for MTN’s streaming video platform VU. Discover Digital is one of only a few digital media companies in the world that offers total end-to-end solutions for the delivery of digital video content through Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), Over-the-Top (OTT) television services and off-line kiosks delivery solutions, with a full content sourcing, scheduling and administration service.

    According to mybroadband, since VoD services can be seen as digital video stores, this means that each one will be subject to rights restrictions.

    They will be forced to wait for a specific length of time before they may release new programming, said Uhlmann.

    “A movie, for example, will usually be released to theatres first then it becomes available for purchase online known as Electronic Sell Through (EST), followed by DVD retail, rentals, and Transactional Video on Demand (TVoD).”

    A TVoD service most closely resembles physical video rental stores. Examples include iTunes, Google Play Movies, and DStv BoxOffice.

    After the retail and rental window, a movie then goes to the first and second pay-rights holders, such as pay-TV or subscription VoD.

    Uhlmann said movies usually go to pay TV first in South Africa.

    This is followed by the second pay-rights window, where free-to-air and SVOD services get the movie, adding that it is a standard global windowing.

    It should be noted that there may be exceptions when original content is involved. Services such as Netflix and Amazon produce their own films which they then

  • Nigerians pay lower rates for DSTV, says Multichoice  

    Nigerians pay lower rates for DSTV, says Multichoice  

    Pay-TV company MultiChoice Nigeria said yesterday that Nigeria’s rate is lower than what many other African countries pay.

    It described as misleading and inaccurate reports accusing it of unfairness to Nigerian subscribers.

    The reports purport that MultiChoice effected a 20 per cent slash in DStv subscription in other countries where it operates, leaving out Nigeria and South Africa.

    A statement by DStv spokesperson Caroline Oghuma said subscription rates across countries were easily veritable.

    While admitting that DStv bouquet subscriptions were slashed in other countries,  she explained that the reduction was below the 20 per cent claimed by the reports.

    On the exclusion of Nigeria from the list of countries affected by the slash, Oghuma said Nigerian DStv subscribers have been paying lower rates than subscribers in the affected countries in spite of the recent reduction.

    “For two years, prices were not increased in Nigeria until April, 2015. Even when they were increased, they remained substantially lower than in other countries. MultiChoice made a decision to absorb costs on behalf of the Nigerian subscriber because the company recognises that the country is passing through a difficult economic phase,” she explained.

    On the agitation for “pay-as-you-view”, Oghuma said there is no such model in pay-television, blaming the demand on misinformation, which makes the public confuse pay-as-you-view with pay-per-view (PPV).

    Pay-per-view, she explained, is a model used in the telecast of one-off, usually, high-ticket events in sports and entertainment. She said the pay-per-view requires a subscriber to have an active subscription on top of which an amount is paid for the specific event the subscriber desires to watch on pay-per-view.

    “A good example of this was last year’s world boxing title bout between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. The two-hour fight was exclusively on pay-per-view in the United States, where boxing fans paid $99.5 to watch the fight in addition to having an active subscription. In Nigeria, boxing fans watched it on DStv’s SuperSport as part of their Premium bouquet. Pay-per-view is considerably more expensive and is for one-off events,” she said.

    She said, the company made available toll-free lines on all the mobile telephone networks in the country to ensure that subscribers could reach its call centres at no cost to resolve issues.

    The operating hours at its call centres, she further said, was  extended to 8am to 9pm daily, including weekends and public holidays.

    In addition, Oghuma said, MultiChoice is the first pay-TV service provider to allow customers to switch off their accounts for seven days twice a year when they are not at home. The company also announced the Nigerian Television International (NTAi) channel as the Free-to-Air channel for subscribers when their subscription expires.

    “These initiatives received a nod of approval from the Consumer Protection Council (CPC)” she said.

  • DStv presents Arewa 24

    DStv presents Arewa 24

    MultiChoice Nigeria, through its DStv and GOtv platforms, has introduced Arewa 24, the first free to air Hausa language satellite television channel.

    According to its management, Arewa 24 is an all-Hausa lifestyle and entertainment television channel that showcases northern Nigerian life, culture, arts and entertainment and celebrates the promise and potential of Northern Nigeria for Hausa speakers across Nigeria, Africa, the Middle East and around the world.

    In a little over two years, the channel prides itself on being the largest producer of original, high quality television programming in Hausa for Hausa speaking communities.

    “We are giving our subscribers a variety of local content to choose from with Arewa 24”, said John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria on the addition of the channel to its FTA genre.

    “Over the past months, we have grown our FTA genre to include a number of quality local channels that our subscribers have found informative, engaging and all round entertaining. We also believe that the launch of Arewa 24 on our platforms, enriches our local content offering to our subscribers across Africa,” Ugbe added.

    Speaking on the launch of the channel on DStv and GOtv, Jacob Arback, President of Arewa 24 said; “When we launched Arewa 24 over two years ago, our vision was to connect with millions of our northern audiences through their common Hausa language. I believe that our partnership with MultiChoice brings us even closer to achieving this mission.”

    Arewa 24 is the latest FTA channel to come on the DStv and GOtv platforms. Other FTA channels include; NTA I, Channels TV, Africa Independent Television (AIT), SilverBird Television, TVC, Lagos Television, ONTV MAX, Wazobia TV, Trybe TV and Galaxy TV.

    The 24-hour channel will feature a wide range of programming and shows including: Youth magazine and chat shows, which develop life skills, give youth a voice, promote young Nigerians’ pride in their culture, and encourage entrepreneurship, collaboration and mutual respect.