The Business of Television – Nigeria

A comprehensive, industry-grounded programme covering the full landscape of
television production, financing, distribution, marketing, and law in Nigeria and Kenya
from terrestrial broadcasting to OTT platforms.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This four-week programme provides participants with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate the full complexity of the television industry in Nigeria and Kenya. From understanding how TV stations operate and how content is produced, to securing financing, managing distribution, and building an audience; participants gain a complete view of what it takes to build and sustain a television venture in two of Africa’s most competitive markets.

The course covers the Nigerian and Kenyan broadcasting landscape, live and studio production, revenue and financing models, digital distribution platforms, marketing and audience engagement, regulatory frameworks, and the legal structures that govern television content. Gender-equitable storytelling and inclusive production practices are embedded throughout, equipping participants to lead a more representative industry.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• The history, evolution, and current landscape of television in Nigeria and Kenya, from NTA and Citizen TV to DSTV, IrokoTV, and OTT platforms
• Key TV production roles; Managing Directors, Directors of Programs, producers, anchors, broadcast engineers, and content creators and what each involves
• The full television production process: pre-production, production, post-production, and the unique mechanics of live TV production
• How television content is classified, programmed, and used to generate revenue; from news and drama to sports and reality shows
• TV financing models: advertiser-funded programming, government grants, crowdfunding, brand partnerships, subscriptions (Pay-Per-View, DSTV, GOtv)
• How to develop and read a TV programming budget for a Nigerian or Kenyan production
• Revenue streams in television: advertising, syndication, sponsorships, product placement, and digital subscription models
• Traditional and digital TV distribution; network TV, cable, satellite, IrokoTV, Netflix, Showmax, and mobile streaming apps
• How to design a marketing campaign for a TV show targeting Nigerian and Kenyan audiences, using social media and influencer strategies
• The legal frameworks governing television in Nigeria and Kenya: copyright, IP, content licensing, distribution agreements, and key regulatory bodies (NBC, KECOBO, C.A)
• Tax compliance and financial considerations for television production companies and broadcasters
• How to apply gender-equity principles to script development, character creation, crew composition, and production policy

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1.  Describe the structure and history of the Nigerian and Kenyan television industries, including key stations, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders.

2.  Plan and document a complete television production process; from concept and pre-production through to post-production and broadcast including scheduling and budgeting.

3.  Explain and compare television financing models, and develop a simplified budget for a Nigerian or Kenyan TV show.

4.  Design a distribution strategy for a television production, identifying the appropriate mix of traditional broadcast channels and digital streaming platforms for a Nigerian or Kenyan audience.

5.  Create a marketing and audience engagement plan for a TV show, incorporating social media, influencer partnerships, and ratings-driven strategy.

6.  Demonstrate understanding of copyright, IP law, broadcasting regulations, and contractual frameworks applicable to television in Nigeria and Kenya.

7.  Draft a basic television licensing agreement or production contract suited to the Nigerian or Kenyan regulatory environment.

8.  Apply gender-equity frameworks to script development, production design, and team composition, and prepare a fundable pitch for a gender-equitable TV project.

9.  Present a comprehensive business plan for a television production or network, covering production, financing, distribution, marketing, and legal considerations.