John Ugbe, the CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria, has defended the strategy of uneven screen time distribution among housemates on the reality series Big Brother Naija. He emphasized that equal screen time for all housemates is not feasible in entertainment, likening it to a movie where cameras naturally follow the most active and engaging moments.
In an interview with Pulse Nigeria, Ugbe addressed criticisms from both former housemates and fans regarding the allocation of screen time. He stated that the show prioritizes capturing entertaining moments, which means the cameras focus on activities rather than ensuring each housemate receives equal airtime, especially if some are more active while others are less so.
Regarding the essence of the show, Ugbe reiterated that Big Brother Naija is about authenticity and being oneself. He highlighted that contestants who authentically portray themselves tend to resonate more with viewers and achieve success post-show.
The upcoming ninth season of Big Brother Naija is scheduled to run from July 28 to October 6, 2024, with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu returning as the host. Additionally, Toke Makinwa will host the weekly recap show on Showmax, titled Big Brother Naija Buzz.
Ugbe’s comments reflect MultiChoice’s stance on maintaining the show’s entertainment value while allowing contestants to naturally express themselves, thereby connecting with the audience on a deeper level.