By Kelvin Obambon
Starcross Television, the media arm of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), has marked its 13th anniversary with a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, on Monday, celebrating over a decade of evolution from a local startup to a global broadcasting powerhouse.
Reflecting on the journey since the station officially switched on in 2013, the General Manager, Ogar Osim, noted that the success of Starcross TV is inextricably linked to the professional support of the NUJ.
“A story of Starcross Television would not be complete without paying tribute to NUJ,” Osim stated during the visit in Calabar. “Thirteen years ago, before we even started airing, we had a conference where members of the Cross River State Council provided valuable input and recommendations on how to sustain broadcasting. Some of those ideas resulted in our existence up to this moment.”
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He paid specific tribute to veteran journalists such as John Moses and Rasheed Olanrewaju as well as colleagues from the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC), who offered foundational guidance during the station’s infancy.
The GM explained that under the leadership of His Eminence Olumba Olumba Obu, Chairman and CEO of BCS Starcross Television, the station has expanded its footprint across sub-Saharan Africa and globally via digital platforms.
He highlighted the station’s commitment to quality, noting that the CEO has invested heavily in human capital by sending staff for professional training across Europe, America, and Asia. This investment, according to him, has transformed the station into a renowned broadcaster capable of reaching a global audience.
However, Osim revealed that Starcross Television currently spends approximately $3,000 monthly to maintain high-quality streaming on international platforms. He also disclosed that the station recently installed a robust solar power system and its own dedicated internet infrastructure.
The Starcross GM further informed that arrangements are in “top gear” to move Starcross Television beyond free-to-air signals onto MultiChoice platforms, including DSTV and GOTV.
He said despite the move toward commercial expansion, the station maintains a strict ethical code. “Our doctrine is against drinking and smoking. Even if you pay $1 million for us to advertise these products, we will not, because we will not be preaching one thing and showcasing another,” the GM affirmed.
Addressing questions from journalists regarding the intersection of religious broadcasting and politics, the station clarified its stance. Using Nelson Mandela as an example, Osim explained that the station supports politics that serve the well-being of the people.
“Church should only be against politics when politics becomes an instrument of negative growth. As long as we use it as an instrument of bettering society – encouraging peace, unity, and progress – we are not against it,” he said.
The GM concluded by stating that Starcross anniversary celebrations will culminate in a grand finale scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM. He therefore extended formal invitation to NUJ leadership and members to join the main event, which serves as both a religious milestone and a celebration of 13 years of media excellence.
