CBI News debuts on StarTimes, Free TV platforms

详细摘要

Creativity Broadcasting Innovation News (CBI News) has launched on StarTimes and Free TV, aiming to democratise access to credible news for all households. Read More:…

Creativity Broadcasting Innovation News has officially launched live broadcasts on StarTimes Channel 285 and the Digital Switchover Free TV platform.

Speaking at a media parley and facility tour in Lagos on Friday, the Executive Vice Chairman of Baywood Group—the parent company of CBI News, Chris Ibe, said the launch marked the culmination of 11 years of quiet infrastructure building and strategic planning.

“It’s a very big day for us. After now, I want to see CBI News and CBI Media all over,” he said.

According to Ibe, the decision to debut on StarTimes Channel 285 and Free TV was driven by a deliberate mission to democratise access to credible news and avoid what he described as the “elitist” positioning of existing broadcast operators.

“You will know that the other media organisations, like other operators, are very elitist. And we promise ourselves that we’re not going to be an elitist media organisation,” he noted.

He noted that onboarding onto Free TV ensures that households without satellite dishes can still access the 24-hour broadcast using standard antennas.

“Free TV means that, with your antenna, those people even in Lagos State or in other states who may not be able to afford to buy a dish, with your antenna on Free TV, you can watch CBI News. That means we’re bringing TV to everybody,” Ibe explained.

Reflecting on the 11-year gestation period behind the media outfit, the Baywood Group boss likened the journey to a long-distance race requiring endurance rather than a sprint.

Addressing questions on financial sustainability, he revealed that the venture had been funded internally for over a decade without generating revenue, backed by Baywood Group—which he referred to as CBI News’ “big brother”.

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