Which are the best television stations in Nigeria today? From the full list of all tv stations in Nigeria, we’ve ranked the top 10.
Of all the other forms of entertainment, television is the original and is still widely regarded as the best.
Television is one of the most active entertainment mediums in our society today, and it is one of the most accessible.
In Nigeria, a number of television channels are open to audience entire revision of their broadcast and package.
After watching your favorite show, TV shows significantly improve your mood. A general TV station can be helpful frequently when you don’t feel respectable.
Let’s take a look back at how the year treated our favorite Nigerian television stations before we dive headfirst into a (hopefully) new year.
You might be wondering about the number of Television stations in Nigeria are running today. Just like radio stations, there are more than enough tv stations in the country.
While viewers may have more options than any time in recent memory on what to watch on TV, the number of Television stations in Nigeria giving content continues to increase.
Per the latest reports according to Geopoll media measurement service on television stations in Nigeria, there are more than 107 television stations in Nigeria
The first television station in Nigeria, Nigerian Television Authority began broadcasting on 31 October 1959.
Then, NTA broadcasted under the name; Western Nigerian Government Broadcasting Corporation (WNTV), established under the government of Prime minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
It was located in Ibadan and was the premier television station in tropical Africa.
10 Best Television Stations In Nigeria 2023
Presently we should give you a full list of the top ten best Television stations in Nigeria.
NOTE: The ranking of the stations on this list will be based on popularity, viewership, earning analysis and viewer response.
1. Channels Television
Channels Television is the best television station in Nigeria.
It is one of the 13 independent television stations in Nigeria at the moment, ever since the Federal Government deregulated the broadcast media in 1992.
The Company, one of the private TV stations in Lagos was licensed in June 1993 and granted a frequency on UHF (channel 39).
It began transmission two years later under the name Channels Television and now broadcasts to a well discerning audience of more than 20 million people.
The creation of Channels Television as a news station was as a response to the urge of Nigerians for a TV station that will among other things: Provide a different mode of communication to the government and its policies, and consider public officers accountable to the people and Allow opposing views.
The station has been awarded with the ‘Best Television station of the Year’ an award supplied by the Nigerian Media Merit Award Trust – thirteen times in the last sixteen years!
Best Nigeria TV station in 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 , 2016 and 2018), thereby making Channels Television “the Station of the decade”.
The company is staffed with some of the best broadcast journalists in the nation, with a staff base of more than 300.
Some of these staffs have gotten training in Europe, South Africa and the United Kingdom and the United States, and many also bagging numerous awards of various categories, nationally and internationally.
Channels team has delivered feature programs, which have received commendation all over the nation.
Video footage of events and occurrences in Nigeria, shot by Channels News crew have been utilized widely by well-known broadcast media such as BBC-TV, CNN, ITN and McNeil/Lehrer News hour.
Their flagship, the “News at Ten” is today, the most popular and most watched news in the nation.
The station has earned a reputation as an aggressive news media, which provides a balanced account of news coverage.
2. Arise TV
The Lagos-based Nigerian television channel Arise TV airs news, politics, current affairs, entertainment, lifestyle, documentaries, sports, and other programming. Africa is a special area of emphasis for the international television news station Arise News.
The station has access to excellent journalists. One of the best in Nigeria is thought to be this television channel. Nduka Obaigbena, a media mogul from Nigeria, owns it, and Arise Broadcasting Ltd. is in charge of it.
Arise News is broadcast on DSTV Channel 416 in Nigeria. Moreover, rising News is available in streaming form on Freeview on Channel 269 and 264 as part of the Vision TV lineup.
3. TVC News
Having its headquarters based in Lagos, TVC News is a Nigerian 24/7 television news station established by Continental Broadcasting Service Nigeria Ltd currently known as TVC Communications.
The channel airs on British Sky Broadcasting Group Plc (BSKYb) in Britain, (NPN)’s DStv and Startimes in Nigeria, and Multichoice TV in Ghana.
One of the well stated mission of the station is to profer a different and unique perspective to many foreign media stereotypes about Africa which is basically all about the problems and sufferings of the African nations.
In the initial months of operation of the network station, it’s many staffs has received awards from the Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) and the International Center for Journalists based out of Washington, America.
In 2014, the network attained about five million viewers in Africa and Europe with major interest from cable and satellite providers to improve and enhance its market share.
It is no doubt one of the best television stations in Nigeria.
4. AIT (African Independent Television)
Africa Independent Television, also well known by its acronym AIT, is a privately possessed television media broadcaster in Nigeria.
It utilizes Free To Air in Nigeria as the largest privately owned terrestrial television network with stations in twenty-four in thirty-six states all over Nigeria.
AIT is also broadcast through the satellite network from its headquarters in Abuja.
AIT is a subsidiary of Daar Communications plc, which is available throughout Africa, and through Dish Network to North America.
AIT is motivated by interestingly altruistic aim to advance and methodical task Africa from an African point of view.
AIT offers the world a glance through the African experience. The mission is to enhance global knowledge through a unblemished gratitude of the world and its people.
AIT’s technological base is remarkable and revolutionary, combined with state-of-the-art gear in accordance with global standard.
These have successfully positioned Africa Independent Television (AIT) in the league of global broadcast brands.
The programs exclusively on AIT which has universal appeal and have obvious impacts on the lives of the people of Nigeria.
The programs aired by the station include AIT News, AIT News Hour, World News, Matters Arising, Inside The Parliament, Money Show, etc.
5. NTA (Nigerian Television Authority)
The Nigerian Television Authority – also popularly known with the acronym NTA – is a Nigerian government-owned and partly one of commercial television stations in Nigeria.
that was launched in 1977 with an initial monopoly on national television broadcasting.
The NTA has the largest television network in Nigeria with stations in several states of the nation.
Earlier referred to as Nigerian Television (NTV), the network began with a takeover of regional television stations in 1976 by the former military governmental powers back then.
NTA lost its monopoly over television broadcasting in the mid 80s.
The station mainly focuses on news local and international. The popular Network News airs every 9pm.
They also feature other programs that discuss the culture of other ethnic groups and also about national problems and how to solve them.
Aside this, they also showcase entertaining programs like the household show ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’, the Village Headmaster series, Superstory series and many others.
NTA has branches all over the nation, thus, making it easy for the common man easy access to the viral issues in the nation.
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6. Galaxy Television
Galaxy Television channel 53 was not just the first privately registered television stations in Nigeria, yet in addition, one of the first ones to broadcast in the Nation.
Galaxy commenced full-fledged broadcasting in May 1994 from the hills of Oke-Are, Ibadan utilizing a 10 kilowatts Areodyne transmitter.
For a long time now, the station has maintained between 60 – 75% viewership in Oyo State and the neighboring Osun and Ogun States.
Presently, Galaxy TV Ibadan is rated one of the best television stations in Nigeria in terms of viewership as they have a lot of following especially from Western Nigeria.
In January 2002, the station established a second Galaxy Television Station (Channel 27) in Lagos to enable complete coverage of the Western States.
They also have a lot of shows including the popular Galaxy Party time which is a two-hour musical program that provides you with all genres of music.
They air from Monday to Friday, 2 – 4pm and Saturday 12 PM, making it easy to have a good time in house.
7. Wazobia Television
Wazobia television is a Nigerian Pidgin English television stations in Nigeria, Rivers State to be precise.
It was established in 2007 and belongs to Globe Communications Limited.
Famous for its funny approach to broadcasting, the station airs a blend of news, features, sport, music talk shows, topical issues and interviews.
The use of pidgin English on this Nigerian TV station to reel out news and discuss national issues makes Wazobia TV one of a kind.
In the event that you are having a stressful day, we advice you check out Wazobia TV to appreciate the many interesting programs they have to offer.
8. Silverbird Television
Silverbird TV was established in 1980 to show modern family entertainment and relaxation to Nigerians.
The Silverbird Group has been one of the leading media/entertainment business in sub-Saharan Africa for a long time now, with horizontally integrated interests in Communications, Cinemas and Production.
The company is a pace setter in innovation, and has totally earned an international reputation. Silverbird’s Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) brand created the first and just black African Miss World in 2001.
Silverbird Productions is a full service entertainment company operating under the Silverbird Group.
The team is made up of knowledgeable and dedicated professionals with more than 30 years experience in the entertainment industry comprising of Event Management, Beauty Pageant and TV Promotions.
Silverbird created a niche as a historic company by building the first international standard mall and Cineplex in Nigeria, the Silverbird Galleria, which set the pace for other malls in the nation.
Silverbird Communications Limited which comprise both Silverbird Television and their flagship radio station, Rhythm FM, Silverbird Communications broadcasts in six of the ten Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (“NBC”) Zones.
In 2004 –, Nigeria’s first Family Entertainment TV Channel, won a vote as the Most Entertaining Television Station in Lagos in 2005, Won the National Network Broadcast license in 2009 as the second radio and television network license operator in Nigeria.
9. WAP TV
WAPTV is a sole proprietary firm created by Wale Adenuga Productions Ltd.
This company is the maker of the trending award-winning TV programs SUPERSTORY, PAPA AJASCO and several other wholesome family-oriented entertainment programs and ventures.
Since it commenced broadcast on 1st October, 2012, WAPTV easily became a top entertainment channel in Nigeria.
The TV has been building on the wide acceptance that the Wale Adenuga Brand has appreciated for more than 30 years of giving top-indent family entertainment to millions of families across Nigeria.
10. Africa Magic
Africa Magic is a collection of Pay TV entertainment channels that place focus on African programming, TV adverts and shows most popularly Nigerian series and movies.
Africa Magic initially launched as single channel of the same name, is a brand possessed by M-Net and now made up of seven channels.
Africa Magic became operational in July 2003 as a motion picture and general entertainment channel geared at showcasing nollywood talent and African culture and couture.
At the time of its launch it got high popularity amongst DStv subscribers. Africa Magic today broadcasts in more than 50 African countries.
The channels include Africa Magic Family, Africa Magic World, Africa Magic Showcase, Africa Magic Yoruba, Africa Magic Igbo, Africa Magic Hausa. Africa Magic Epic and Africa Magic Urban.
Africa Magic is also responsible for the yearly Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), the biggest appreciation of film and television talent in Africa.
11. SoundCity
Soundcity TV is a 24-hour Nigerian lifestyle and music channel which has its headquarters in Lagos from Consolidated Media Associates Limited.
Soundcity TV is well known as a “pan-African urban music TV channel.”
This channel is also on the list of online TV in Nigeria.
Soundcity TV broadcast is a popular broadcast station in Nigeria airing music videos, live performances, new and interviews, etc.
Sister brands incorporate Soundcity Music Video Awards, Soundcity Urban Blast Festival, Buddie, Soundcity Radio Network and Soundcity Digital.
SoundcityTV began as a 30 minutes long syndicated TV show before It was launched on DStv in 2009.
History of Television Broadcasting In Nigeria
Broadcasting in Nigeria began with the “Iwe Iroyin Fun Awon Egba Ati Yoruba” in 1859. It was the premier newspaper printed in Nigeria.
The name of the paper translates as “A Newspaper for the Egba and Yoruba.” Reverend Henry Townsed, who created and launched this newspaper, was a Christian missionary.
His main reason for the acquaintance of this newspaper was to build up A literacy program for the Yoruba and Egba.
Nigerian elites were the first people who took pleasure in such publications.
“Iwe Iroyin” was just the beginning of the newspaper industry in Nigeria.
It encouraged Nigerians to deliver other publications, similar to: Nigerian Tribune, The West African Pilot, African Messenger, Lagos Weekly Record, The Lagos Standard, Lagos Time and Gold Coast Advertiser and Anglo-African.
These newspapers started a concise history of broadcasting in Nigeria. They also initiated the era of journalism in Nigeria.
A great deal of journalists began their fighting career against the colonial rule in the nation.
The pioneer writers who contributed a great deal to the Nigerian Freedom were Mokwugo Okoye, Dutse Mohammed Ali, Anthony Ena horoscope, Obafemi Awolowo, Ernest Ikoli, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Herbert Macaulay.
They all fought for the Nigerian Independence. After the proclamation of the independence, Nigeria started a new era of journalism.
Some of the Nigerian newspapers transformed into the Nigerian TV, as WNTV, NBC and WNRC.
One of the interesting facts about broadcasting in Nigeria shortly after the independence is the pressure on the press by the government.
Some individuals, who were in power in the nation, didn’t desire the development of free press.
Therefore, the media was monopolized by the government and all attempts to write something against the government demonstrated useless and were dangerous.
The Eastern Regional Government created its TV broadcasting system in 1960. The principal aim was to assist formal education in the area.
The Northern Regional Government created its TV system just in 1962. It was named as the Radio Television Kaduna.
The reasons for its creation were the same as in the Eastern and Western regions. Still, all these TV broadcasting stations left their initial goals and became commercial.
Up until 1992, all running TV stations were heavily influenced by the Federal Government.
According to the Decree number 38, the Government established the National Broadcasting Commission, which demonopolize the role of the Federal Government over TV stations.
It was the first time in the history of broadcasting in Nigeria when TV and Media got private owners and ushered in a new Era of journalism and broadcasting in Nigeria.
Best Television Stations In Nigeria (Summary)
A television station is a kind of terrestrial station that broadcasts both audio and video to television receivers in a particular area.
Usually, TV stations made their broadcasts by sending specially-encoded radio signals over the air.
This is compulsory to utilize a particular section of the radio spectrum (a channel) through which they send their signals.
Individual television stations in Nigeria obtain licenses from Nigeria Communications Commission.
I do hope this list of the best television stations in Nigeria is comprehensive enough and helps with your research and information you need.
If you have any questions or further additions, make it known in the comments section below.
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You deliberately twisted historical facts by saying that WNTV was established by the government of Tafawa Balewa when you ought to know that WNTV which is the first Television station in Africa was established by the Western Regional Government of Obafemi Awolowo. You may not like Awolowo but facts are sacred and should not be twisted please. Thanks.