Edo Broadcasting Service
Government-owned broadcasting corporation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) is a state-owned broadcasting organization located in Aduwawa, Edo State, Nigeria.[1] It was established as the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (now known as the National Broadcasting Commission) in 1978, and over time, it evolved into the current Edo Broadcasting Service.[2][3]
| Type | Parastatal broadcasting organization |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Availability | Edo State |
| Founded | 1978 |
| TV stations | EBS TV |
| TV transmitters | UHF 45 |
| Radio stations | EBS Radio |
| Radio transmitters | 95.7 FM |
| Headquarters | Aduwawa, Edo State, Nigeria |
Broadcast area | Edo State |
| Regions | Benin City, Edo State |
| Owner | Government of Edo State |
Key people | Managing Director: Sulaiman Aledeh |
Former names | Radio Bendel, Bendel Broadcasting Service |
Official website | Official Website |
| Language | English |
| Replaced | Bendel Broadcasting Service |
History
Broadcasting in Nigeria traces back to the colonial era when radio was introduced by the British colonial government to control and mobilize their colonial subjects.[4] The Nigerian Broadcasting Service was founded in 1951, relaying programmes from the British Broadcasting Commission (BBC).[5][6] Subsequently, the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) was established in 1992 to oversee broadcasting activities.[7][8]
Television's unique visual impact led to the establishment of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in August 24, 1992, allowing private participation in broadcasting.[9] EBS emerged from the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, initially established to meet the information and enlightenment needs of the mid-West Region.[10][11]
EBS evolved through various names, adopting Radio Bendel in 1978 as the Federal Military Government handed over its NBC stations. In 1980, television broadcasting was added to the organization.[12] The name Bendel Broadcasting Service was empowered by Edict No 11 in 1986.[2][13] Edo Broadcasting Service emerged from the division of ownership after Edo and Delta states were created in 1991.[14][15]
Today, EBS operates as a parastatal under the Ministry of Information of the Edo State Government.[16][17] It owns and operates radio and television stations received across Edo State and beyond. Booster sub-stations in Ivue-Uromi and Ihievbe enhance its transmission capabilities.[18][19]
Broadcasting operations
EBS operates on two main frequencies, radio broadcasts at 95.7 MHz on frequency modulation and television broadcasts on channel 45 in the ultra-high frequency band (UHF).[20][4]
The organisation is led by a Managing Director, who oversees various departments that manage the station's broadcasting and operational activities. These departments include Shared Services, which encompasses Administration, Training and Manpower Development, and Engineering.[21][22]