Nigerian pay-TV news channel NN24 went live on 3 May, broadcasting on the DStv platform. The new channel is run by Anthony Dara who has worked in a range of TV jobs both in broadcasters and in equipment companies.
NN24 is the first news channel to come from West Africa and Dara says that the Lagos-based channel already has a content partnership deal with CNN International, a distribution deal with South African DSTV and an advertising arrangement with Nigerian firm MediaCom.
“We have a three-year plan to plant ourselves in the market, in the minds of the people. We want to establish our credentials, establish our unique position and build leadership from there,” he said. “We are aspiring to be the premium national TV news channel. In terms of branding if you talk about Sky, you think British, if you talk about CNN, you think about the United States of America. NN24 is an African concept with global reach,” he said.
Dara is quoted by AFP as saying around US$8million dollars has been spent on the project. “We are working on a shoestring budget with the best hands capable because we see ourselves as trying to reinvent the industry in Africa,” he said.