Chinese government delivers OB van to state broadcaster

The Chinese Government handover keys for the Outside Broadcast [OB] Van to the National Broadcasting Corporation [NBC] today.

The OB van is equipped with cutting-edge broadcasting technology designed to significantly improve NBC's capacity to cover live events, especially those that require on-the-ground and remote coverage.

Its mobile capabilities will allow NBC to produce high-quality content in real time, whether it's a political event, cultural celebration, sporting event, or a breaking news.

China's Ambassador to PNG, Yang Xioaguang said this presentation is the representation of the growing partnership between China and Papua New Guinea, underscoring the importance of media and communications in fostering diplomacy and mutual understanding.

He said partnerships like this will be key in ensuring the country remains connected to share their stories, celebrate their achievements, and stay informed about the world around them.

“This is a sign of friendship between the two countries. This project will benefit the country and enjoy high quality programs to enrich their daily lives as well as catch up with the world.

“We appreciate the PNG government and NBC for the product made in China. China is advancing in 5G Telecommunication Network and your cooperation with China means unlimited opportunities.

“China and PNG are good friends and brothers. We have good political relations, frequent high level visits and trade relations,” Mr Xioaguang said.

Minister for Information and Communication Technology [ICT] Timothy Masiu said the handover of keys for a state-of-the-art OB Van is the first phase of NBC’s Analogue to Digital [A2D] migration project and they are anticipating the official opening when the project is complete.

“This handover signifies the soft lunch of A2D project. This is the second ceremony we are having. To bring NBC to another level this is the beginning and this is where NBC’s future lies.

“The Phase 1 will cover 10 provinces and second phase will cover the remaining provinces and make it become fully operational in the whole of PNG and I am looking forward to that. This OB Van is a fully pledged TV studio but on wheels,” Minister Masiu said.

Meanwhile, the flexibility of an OB van is essential for a country like Papua New Guinea, where geographical challenges often make it difficult to access remote regions quickly and efficiently.

It will enable NBC to deliver enhanced live coverage and extend the reach of its broadcasts to a wider audience, both domestically and internationally and will not only improve the visibility of local events but also help PNG showcase its culture, people, and development on a global stage.

NBC Managing Director Kora Nou said NBC has long been the voice of the nation over 50 years, serving as a crucial source of news and information for citizens across the country and with the OB van will play a critical role in empowering NBC to provide more dynamic and engaging coverage and commended everyone behind this project.

“The OB Van was designed and developed. We were required to be in China to physically inspect which we did. I thank the Peoples Republic of China for the concessional loan, the Contractor and NBC technical Staff who stood behind this project to ensure its delivered on time,” Mr. Nou said.