| Edo Broadcasting Service | |
| Type: | Parastatal broadcasting organization |
| Country: | Nigeria |
| Available: | Edo State |
| Owner: | Government of Edo State |
| Key People: | General Manager: Friday Okoedion |
| Former Names: | Radio Bendel, Bendel Broadcasting Service |
| Language: | English |
| Headquarters: | Aduwawa, Edo State, Nigeria |
| Website: | Official Website |
| Radiostations: | EBS Radio |
| Broadcast Area: | Edo State |
| Tvstations: | EBS TV |
| Tvtransmitters: | UHF 55 |
| Radiotransmitters: | 95.7 FM |
| Replaced: | Bendel Broadcasting Service |
| Regions: | Benin City, Edo State |
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]
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.[13] Edo Broadcasting Service emerged from the division of ownership after Edo and Delta states were created in 1990.[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 Ihievba enhance its transmission capabilities.[18] [19]
EBS operates two main frequencies: radio broadcasts on 75.7KHz frequency modulation and television broadcasts on channel 55 at 743.25 MHz.[20]
The organization is headed by a General Manager who oversees departments responsible for Administration, Engineering, News & Current Affairs (both for TV and Radio), Programs, Commercial Services, Presentation, EBS Enterprises, Corporate Affairs, Finance, and Training & Manpower Development.[21] [22]
EBS has been led by various General Managers, including Bankole Balogun, P.O. Chiazor, Engineer N.O. Iluobe, Mr. Martins Ekpe, and Tunde Ebezojie.[23]
The current General Manager is Friday Okoedion.[24]