Wednesday 3 July 2024
Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Mr. Hu Chunhua, led a high-level delegation to the National Broadcasting Corporation’s (NBC) Headquarters, to officially hand over the keys to the new digital television facility to NBC.
The completion of the NBC A2D Migration Project marked a significant milestone in the nation’s broadcasting history.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Timothy Masiu, Minister for Information and Communications Technology, stated the significance of this analogue to digital project to the country, and added that it was the only project that was approved by the Chinese Government in 2021 – 2022 to be funded by the EXIM Bank of China.
Minister Masiu stated that this national project, funded by a US$69 million concessional loan from the EXIM Bank of China, as approved by the National Executive Council, is a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation between Papua New Guinea and China.
Mr Masiu underscored the project’s significance, noting its role in expanding television coverage to over 10 provinces and reaching more than two million viewers.
“The NBC PNG A2D Migration Project stands as a testament to the strong bilateral ties between our governments,” he stated.
The completion of the project on schedule and within budget by China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) reflects its successful implementation phase.
Mr. Chen Jiliang, Chargé d’affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in PNG, expressed gratitude for the partnership, emphasizing its strategic importance in enhancing PNG’s media landscape.
“This project signifies our commitment to fostering cultural exchange and technological advancement between our nations,” remarked Mr. Chen Jiliang.
“The initiative includes the deployment of two sets of programs from China Central Television, aiming to enrich the local broadcasting spectrum and promote cultural diversity.
“PNG NBC Digital Television Transformation is one of the major projects supported by the Chinese government,” Mr Jiliang said.
“The construction of the project in August 2022, has progressed smoothly and is said to be completed in August of this year, 2024.”
The handover ceremony symbolized a new era for NBC, positioning it as a premier broadcaster committed to delivering diverse and accessible programming.
With plans to launch 16 free-to-air channels in Phase One, the project aims to cater to varied audience preferences, including potential collaborations with international partners like Australia, Japan, and the Philippines.
Looking forward, Minister Masiu highlighted the importance of nurturing local content production across diverse sectors such as culture, agriculture, health, and education.
He expressed optimism about the project’s future impact on national development and cultural representation.
As preparations continue for the official launch scheduled for July 2024, stakeholders anticipate further enhancements in broadcasting capabilities and community engagement.
The project’s success not only strengthens PNG’s media infrastructure but also sets a precedent for future collaborations in technology and cultural exchange.
