HiTV Defends Position, Brands Viewing Centres

Following reactions to the decision of HiTV to impose a levy of on all operators of viewing centers across the country, the pay TV Company has defended its position, giving reasons for the introduction of the commercial bouquets.
HiTV’s Public Relations Manager, Mr. Justin Akpovi, said that people need to understand that cable T.V. is primarily for home viewing. Hence, if anyone wants to use it for commercial purposes, they should be ready to pay extra. He further likened this case to that of music collecting societies that license places like hotels and clubs to pay for the music they play to promote their business.
In the same vein, the company has decided that each compliant commercial subscriber will receive an authorized viewing centre signage and will be supported by a dedicated help desk. The company is also working on some initiatives with other notable brands to improve the standard of the viewing centers making it a more viable business for the operators.
The company’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Olumide Amure reveals that HiTV is working in collaboration with the National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB and the Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, to ensure full compliance.