The first presidential media chat of President Bola Tinubu, broadcast on Monday by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), was met with widespread criticism from Nigerian viewers who expressed profound dissatisfaction with the poor video and audio quality of the broadcast. The anticipation generated by the pre-broadcast announcement from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, urging all television and radio stations to connect to the NTA feed, quickly turned into disappointment as the broadcast suffered from grainy visuals and muffled audio. This technical inadequacy, reflecting poorly on the national broadcaster, sparked a wave of negative reactions on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where users vented their frustration and called for improvements and even privatization of the NTA. The incident highlighted the stark contrast between the expected quality of a presidential address in the digital age and the outdated broadcasting capabilities of a key national media outlet.
The complaints on social media were numerous and pointed. Users like David Offor (@DavidsOffor) called for significant improvements in sound and visual quality, emphasizing the stature of NTA as the national television station of a prominent nation. Others, like @AsiwajuOladimej, went further, demanding the privatization of NTA, suggesting a complete overhaul of the institution. The poor quality of the NTA broadcast was further underscored by comparisons to the feed provided by TVC, which viewers praised for its superior video and audio clarity. Users like @Dontee_ and @Ridwanullahii actively encouraged viewers to switch to TVC for a better viewing experience, highlighting the stark difference in quality and implicitly criticizing NTA’s failure to deliver a satisfactory broadcast of a crucial national event.
The criticism extended beyond mere calls for improvement, with some users expressing outright disdain for the NTA and its perceived incompetence. @Letter_to_Jack labeled the NTA a “disgrace to this country” and advocated for its complete dismantling. The sentiment reflected a deep-seated frustration with the persistent technical shortcomings of the national broadcaster, particularly given the importance of the presidential media chat. Other users, like @DanielWhalee, questioned the effectiveness of NTA’s digitization efforts, pointing out the outdated visuals and poor sound quality reminiscent of older technologies. The collective outcry on social media painted a picture of a national broadcaster failing to meet the expectations of its audience in the digital age, particularly when broadcasting a high-profile event like a presidential address.
The dissatisfaction wasn’t limited to general comments on the poor quality; specific technical aspects were also criticized. @mrolaoluwa pointed out the lack of 1080p broadcasting, a standard resolution for high-definition television in the modern era, signifying NTA’s lag in adopting current broadcasting technologies. @Baasit_Afolabi echoed this sentiment, adding a call for the dismissal of NTA staff, highlighting the perceived negligence and incompetence within the organization. The specific technical criticisms, combined with the general complaints, underscored a systemic failure within the NTA to keep pace with technological advancements and deliver a broadcast quality befitting a national platform, especially for a presidential address.
The irony of the situation was compounded by the fact that the media chat itself addressed crucial national issues. President Tinubu used the platform to defend his decision to remove the fuel subsidy, a controversial policy with significant implications for the Nigerian economy and its citizens. He argued that the removal was necessary to prevent a financial disaster and safeguard future investments. However, the technical difficulties surrounding the broadcast overshadowed the importance of the message, diverting public attention towards the poor quality of the broadcast rather than the content of the President’s address. The failure of the NTA to provide a clear and accessible broadcast undermined the impact of the President’s message, demonstrating the vital role of reliable broadcasting infrastructure in effective communication and public engagement.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical role of public broadcasting in a democracy and the need for continuous investment and modernization. The widespread criticism of the NTA’s performance underscores the expectation of citizens for a national broadcaster to deliver high-quality, accessible content, especially for significant national events. The negative reactions highlight the importance of embracing technological advancements and maintaining professional standards to ensure effective communication and maintain public trust. The incident ultimately calls for a comprehensive review of the NTA’s operations and a commitment to investing in the infrastructure and personnel necessary to meet the demands of a modern media landscape.
