The Bala Mohammed administration in Bauchi State has invested over N2.5 billion in upgrading state-owned media outlets, including Bauchi Television Authority (BATV) and Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC).
According to the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Usman Danturaki, the funds were utilized for equipment procurement and installation to facilitate the Digital Switch Over (DSO) of these stations.
Danturaki emphasized that the digitization initiative aimed to enhance broadcast transmission capacity, thereby improving spectrum efficiency. He highlighted the administration’s commitment to modernizing broadcast infrastructure to ensure better signal quality, robustness against interference, and support for high-definition services and interactivity.
Prior to the administration’s intervention, BATV faced operational challenges due to outdated equipment and infrastructure. However, renovation and digitization contracts were awarded in 2023, resulting in significant progress. BATV’s renovation is complete, while digitization has reached an 80% completion stage.
Similarly, contracts were awarded for upgrading transmission services at BRC 1 and 2. The project also included renovating the BRC FM station and 10 community FM stations across the state. Renovation work is finished, with transmission upgrades at an 80% completion stage.
Additionally, the administration revived the moribund Wikki Magazine, which had been inactive for over a decade due to obsolete equipment and infrastructure.
The magazine now publishes quarterly, signaling a revival in media activities. Furthermore, the Ministry of Information and Communications underwent restructuring to enhance effectiveness, with the creation of three additional directorates focusing on Broadcasting, ICT, Communication, and Social Mobilization.
