CBI News Secures NBC Approval and StarTimes Channel 285 Ahead of November 2 Historic Launch
Last update: October 30, 2026
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CBI News Gets StarTimes Slot, NBC Green Light for Full Transmission
Lagos, Nigeria – 30 October 2026 – CBI News, the flagship news television platform of CBI Digital Media Limited, a member company of the Baywood Group, today announced two landmark milestones ahead of its official launch on Monday, 2 November 2026.
In a major regulatory breakthrough, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has formally granted CBI News approval to commence full-scale transmission. The approval, conveyed in a letter dated 22 October 2026, follows the successful fulfilment of all applicable regulatory requirements and represents a strong institutional endorsement of the station’s operational readiness, compliance and commitment to broadcasting excellence.
In a second major development, leading digital television network StarTimes has officially confirmed the allocation of Channel 285 to CBI News across both its Direct-to-Home (DTH) and Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) platforms. The StarTimes listing secures CBI News presence on one of Africa’s largest pay-TV distribution networks, significantly expanding its audience reach to millions of households across Nigeria and the continent ahead of its go-live.
Announcing the developments in an internal communication to the Baywood family, Mr Gbenga Adebija, Managing Director of CBI Digital Media Limited, said final technical integration, transmission testing and operational readiness checks are currently being coordinated to ensure a seamless commencement of broadcasting. These achievements are particularly significant because they bring to fruition a vision conceived and relentlessly pursued by our Founder and Executive Chairman, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe. What began as an ambitious vision has evolved, through his determination, resilience and willingness to confront and overcome formidable challenges, into a fully accredited broadcasting organisation with the regulatory authorisation and distribution infrastructure to compete on a global stage,” Adebija said. He also commended colleagues across CBI Digital Media and the wider Baywood Group, describing the approvals as collective achievements of the entire Baywood family. The CBI Digital Media MD also revealed that a commemorative launch event would be organised in due course.
CBI News is positioning itself as a leading African media institution with a distinctive global voice, built on the mandate to inform, educate, investigate, challenge and inspire. With regulatory and distribution milestones now secured, the organisation said its focus has shifted decisively from preparation to performance ahead of the 2nd November launch.
A commemorative launch event is being planned by Group Brands & Marketing Communications later in the launch week. Details will be announced in due course.
CBI News will be available from Monday, November 2, 2026, on StarTimes Channel 285 (DTH & DTT), as well as on its website www.cbinewstv.com, mobile applications and social media platforms.
About CBI News:
CBI News is the flagship news television platform of CBI Digital Media Limited, a member company of the Baywood Group. With the mantra “From Nigeria. For Africa. To the World”, CBI News is committed to building an enduring media institution that is proudly African in its identity, global in its outlook and transformative in its impact.
Website: www.cbinewstv.com
Follow CBI News:
Tune in to StarTimes Channel 285 from 2 November 2026.
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