My ambition is to make BEN TV bigger than CNN, BBC, etc -Alistair Soyode

Dr Alistair Soyode is one Nigerian who has made his impact felt both at home and abroad with his establishment of BEN TV which is based in England and projects Nigeria and Africa to the world in a positive light. He told OSEYIZA OOGBODO BLOG why he established it and his plans for it. Why did you start BEN TV? BEN Television was set up to bridge the gap in the Black-oriented communities in the UK as well as to become a platform to promote Nigeria as a country with immense opportunities and natural resources as well as showcase Nigerians in a better way than done by other outfits and people. How easy or difficult was it to get the license? Back in those years, it was not as easy as it is now. The technological advancement now has contributed to lesser demands by the authorities compared to a decade ago. But they are still overly strict and demand programming that appeal to all viewers. What has BEN TV achieved? BEN Television over the years has been the bridge to our Black and diverse communities in Europe and by extension, through the internet, it is also available globally on our website. As we continue to sustain our business, we can only say we are still on track to achieve what we think we can do and that's to be and maintain our status as the leading Black-oriented television and media outfit in the world. For the last decade, BEN TV has showcased Nigeria positively, opened opportunities to many to invest back here, provided the platform for reducing negative perceptions about Nigeria, etc. Many awards and certificates which are too many to list have been given to us. We recognise however that we still have a long way to go and welcome partners and media investors on board to realise some of the achievements we personally expect. Can you take BEN TV to the heights of CNN, BBC, etc? Absolutely. That's the aim. To make it a major brand and bigger than it is right now. Of course this depends on finance hence our hope to find investors willing to support our aspirations and aims. We are very grateful though that viewers find us a very direct and straight content television that always has the viewers in mind, and that makes us know that we can deliver what the CNN, BBC and co are. The media industry is presently going through financial problems. Is it the same for BEN TV? It has always been so with us. We started without big capital funding in the bank. When we started too, the funds required were seriously massive and huge. With the support of a few stakeholders and business services especially African Business Roundtable led by Dr. Bamanga Tukur, we continued to push on. The situation is very hard especially over the last five years when we expanded our content production and have to solely rely on ourselves the management to keep going. We are nevertheless very confident things would improve very soon. But it is very tough, bearing in mind as well that we are always enthusiastic and positive about the brand Nigeria. So it’s not a profitable operation? Not yet. Millions are needed and as we continue to promote our people, we also need them to join in supporting and making it possible to provide the needed service in Europe, Africa and beyond to sell the brand Nigeria in the proper way for the benefit of all of us. How do you feel as the founder of a TV station that has impacted so much on Nigerians in the Diaspora? Honestly, I really see much, much more to be done and really want to do them. So I just feel grateful and thankful to God for making it possible for me a rural farmer, sport person and uneducated in the industry to launch the first Black television in Europe and more so the first in the world by an immigrant in a new world. For every talent, there is a reason, that’s the way I see my role so we will continue to do our best to represent and present Nigeria positively to the world. You are the former chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe. How did you attain that enviable position? I’m not sure if I will call it enviable. I got there at the time because of and my desire still to represent and sell Nigeria. We want Nigeria to succeed, grow under good leadership and systematic corporate governance. Nigeria is all I have. The challenges and opportunities are here as much as in other countries, each unique in its way. Leadership is about being equal with others in mind whilst yet guiding and directing those with you. Any change needed or aspired for has to start with the person proposing it. If you can't or will not do what you want others to do, there is no way you can achieve it.