Significance of Satellite Television Viewing Centres in Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

Satellite television centres in Nigeria have grown with the popularity of foreign football, especially international competitions. This study identifies the social significance especially the uses and abuses of satellite television centres in Makurdi town. Also, the study identifies the strategy that is effective in curbing the abuses of satellite television viewing centres in Makurdi town. Using a survey of two hundred and twenty (220) respondents who patronise satellite television viewing centres in Makurdi, the study finds among other things that: satellite television viewing centres are used to advance sporting interests, however they are abused when criminals use these centres as meeting places and hideouts. Furthermore, the study finds that the dominant use of satellite television viewing centres to televise football matches leads to neglect of local football teams and this has far reaching implications.  The study recommends that proprietors should regulate entry and the police force should step up monitoring of these centres to ensure order and rule of law. Also, proprietors of these centres should explore the profitability of such centres for other purposes such as music videos as an additional income earner to football. Finally, the Nigerian government should utilise the huge gathering of youth at satellite television viewing centres as an opportunity to create awareness on a wide range of issues.

Keywords: Satellite Television, Viewing Centres, Football, Use, Abuse