HARDSHIP: TV STATION SHUTS DOWN

The management of DESMIMS BROADCAST NIG. LTD, owners of DITV Kaduna and Alheri Radio, has announced the indefinite suspension of operations till further notice.

The TV station is the first private station to go on air on June 2, 1994.

A statement issued by acting general manager of the broadcast outfit, Idris Mustapha, on Friday, said the decision was necessitated by the high cost of electricity supply.

He, however, said the decision doesn’t affect Alheri Radio, Zaria.

Mr Mustapha noted that the harsh economic conditions in the country have made revenue generation more challenging for many businesses.

While regretting the inconvenience the closure will cause its millions of listeners and viewers, Mr Mustapha said the station will return to airwaves as soon as its financial situation improves.

The statement reads, “Management of DITV and Alheri Radio regrets to announce suspension of its broadcast activities until further notice. This suspension will not affect Alheri Radio Zaria.

“The decision to suspend broadcast by the first private television station to go on air in Nigeria and one of the oldest private radio stations with unrivalled popularity in broadcasting in Hausa has been forced on the establishment by the high cost of power.

“We are aware that the harsh economic conditions have made revenue generation more challenging for many businesses that ought to settle their obligations for services rendered by our stations.

“We will resume normal transmission as soon as our financial situation improves.

“We regret and apologise for the inconvenience which this closure will generate among our millions of viewers and listeners.”