By Festus Igeniwari

The very instant I saw TSTV’s claims, I knew something wasn’t right. And I maintain that the PayTV industry in Nigeria is a level-playing field for everyone serious and capable enough to offer Nigerians the best value for money in world-class content.

First of all, it is important Nigerians realize that – as a rule – you don’t start off a marathon by sprinting; and when a claim sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

While I wouldn’t bug anyone with pay-tv lingo, it is now pertinent for Nigerians to grasp the rudiments of how the industry works; and the indices represented in the chain, right up to their television sets.

Pay-tv services providers only act as platform for several television content. And content doesn’t come free. As in, they aren’t just plucked out of nowhere, and broadcasted. No, because that would amount to piracy and infringement on intellectual property rights. So, how do pay-tv service providers get content for their subscribers? They buy rights. And why do they buy them? Well, because that movie, that sport content, involves a plethora of talents and production costs, and the owners aren’t in it for charity.

Thus, they pay and, if you want it, you pay as well. It’s why it is called “PAY-TV”! And guess what? The demand in a given market will determine how much the right for a certain content goes for in that market, as the cost isn’t always a one-size-fits-all. What does this mean? If the Premier League, for instance, is of a higher demand in Nigeria than, say, Ghana, the cost to acquire the Premier League rights here, would definitely be higher than it is in Ghana. Also, there are a number of other indices right owners take into consideration in fixing the price of content for a particular market, after which the service provider will need to consider the factors of its socio-economic environment in fixing subscription rates, so as to stay afloat.

Now, back to Nigeria. Nay, let’s talk about DStv. DStv launched in Nigeria in 1995 and, over the years, has increased the number of channels on its platform to more than a hundred, all of which can be accessed in its highest bouquet – DStv Premium. Also, over the years, DStv has continued to live up to its claim of offering the best TV entertainment in Africa viz aligning with the entertainment needs of its subscribers.

The English Premier League is one of Nigeria’s most sought-after TV content; and in 2007, when DStv lost the rights to HItv, it stepped up its game by reinforcing its local content offering on Africa Magic. Thus, in its trying time, it saw an opportunity to beef of its armor as the king of content in its market, using the threat to focus on developing local content further, which then proved – once again – to be a compelling need among Nigerians. Now that’s how you do business: identify a niche, latch on to it, turn the tide, and offer even more in the end. As a result, at the end of the 2007 saga, it dawned on many football-loving Nigerians that there is a whole lot more to DStv than football.

I am Nigerian but I am also a consumer who wants the best value for his money. While I – like other compatriots – may want to appeal to my sense of patriotism in choice of goods and services, I must also appeal to my need for quality viz what is readily obtainable. DStv has been in Nigeria for twenty-two whole years, and have maintained the lead in quality TV entertainment, Nigeria’s socio-economic environment notwithstanding. And like I have mentioned here, it is easy to have a layman appraisal of what it costs to bring such world-class content to your TV sets. So far, I have only used football nay, the Premier League, as an example. Albeit, in its offering, DStv has hundreds of content in its over hundred channels, each of which comes at a cost. Not in Naira, but in US dollars. Darn! Need I mention the La Liga, Serie A, the Champions League…and this is just FOOTBALL. Now, let’s talk about the other sports, and then go on to the movie channels (those movies aren’t played from a DVD from a secret location outside Nigeria, by the way), and then the local channels…the movies…news….er, what else? Anyway, I am sure you understand. Let me reiterate: THEY ARE ALL PAID FOR!

Like I mentioned earlier: the moment I saw TSTV’s claims, I knew straightaway there is no way they could have been 100% genuine, knowing what goes into acquiring them, and measuring it against their claims to dole out 20G worth of internet data as well. Only the government can offer such and with heavy subsidy too! Come to think of it: how much does it cost you to subscribe to a telco internet plan? Now add the cost of individual rights for TV content, overhead and etcetera. This isn’t rocket science actually.

In order to feel the pulse of any industry, you must study its major players. It will give you an idea of what makes it tick, and what it entails to delve into it or, like Nigerians will say, “to chook head inside”

I am Nigerian but I want the best for my money, and will only pay anyone who means business. As in, clean, honest business. Neither will I sacrifice quality on the altar of nationalistic sentiment, especially since there is level-playing field for all.

While we often talk about “buying Naija”, our businessmen must realize that we, as a nation, must live up to our highest potential as a people- in the ability to offer the best and, more importantly, deal conscientiously.

Let’s not forget: if it sounds too good to be true, then it most likely is.

I would rather TSTV to do their homework well because whipping up pretentious sentiments has never helped anyone in the long run. Neither does relying on it help long-term sustenance. TSTV must not renege on their initial promise. Otherwise, it would amount to devious manipulation and a play on our collective intelligence.

You don’t start off a marathon by sprinting. Not when your opponent has twenty-two solid years under his belt. You must know what you are doing. You must realize that the people you aim to reach are watching out for the outcome.

Nigeria or not, we won’t settle for less. Let all be challenged, and step up to it. The floor is open.

That’s all.

The time spent to compose this bullshit should have been used to reduce the price of DSTV sub fees.

DSTV oshi...

ok

The moment I saw that Lie Mohammed was the face of TStv, I knew it's gonna be white lies.

Well said Festus. Only a very few take out time to do proper research.

I found this article and thought I should share with Nigerians. It is important to encourage indigenous businesses though, certainly not one built on blackmail and lies. Twice the promoters of TST shifted the dates for its launch, and methinks It shows they are unserious. Pls read and share my concern about TSTV

This is not about DSTV or GOtV. This is about a company that has decided to enter the market with lies and deceit.
All TSTV has done since it came on board is throw accusing fingers at others.
The most hilarious is that DSTV has jammed the signals . If it is so, report to the appropriate authority. How can you jam something that hasn't even started.
Another is about DSTV going to bribe the rights they purchased. WTH! How can that be.
TSTV is not the first national satellite TV to start. Why are they the ones with the most issues! Get your act together and JUST LAUNCH!

July 25th, October 1st now November 1st am sure the date would be moved again probably to 25th December. TSTV show us something we can hold onto. Stop making promises and breaking the hearts of the weak

let's wait and see

Naija people don't take their time to learn. Na to dey shout upandan. So I should now throw away my DSTV decoder. Like the poster insinuated: "quality above sentiments". Let our business men also measure up. No be to dey give excuses every time. DSTV people get two heads?