Nigeria’s First Private TV Station Suspends Operations

Desmims Broadcast Nigeria, owners of Nigeria’s first private television station, DITV and Alheri Radio, the oldest private radio station in Northern Nigeria, have announced the suspension of their operations due to harsh economic climate.

In a statement issued over the weekend in Kaduna, the Acting General Manager and Chairman of the Management Committee, Idris Mustapha, revealed that rising operational costs, particularly the escalating cost of power, has made it impossible for the station to continue running effectively.

“The escalating cost of power has made it impossible to operate the station effectively,” the statement read.

Mustapha further explained that the financial difficulties were exacerbated by the inability of several businesses that previously advertised on the TV station to meet their financial obligations, which significantly affected revenue generation.

This development marked a significant moment in Nigeria’s media landscape, particularly for the Hausa-speaking audience, which has remained loyal to DITV and Alheri Radio over the years.

The management expressed its regret over the development and assured the public that normal transmission would resume as soon as the financial situation improves. “We sincerely regret the inconvenience this may cause our millions of viewers and listeners,” the statement added.