BY DR MASIMBA MAVAZA
Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe has awarded Diversified media group Zimbabwe Newspapers 1980 Ltd’s online streaming service, Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN), a free-to-air television licence.
Fourteen companies had applied for the television licences, including ZTN, but six were awarded after meeting the requirements, ending decades of monopoly by the public broadcaster, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).
The move goes to show how the new dispensation is aligning its policies with the constitution. This is in fulfilment of the 2013 Constitution and it also gives credence to the country’s push of implementing media reforms. The new stations are, Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Limited trading as ZTN, Rusununguko Media (Pvt) Ltd trading as NRTV, Jester Media trading as 3K TV, Acacia Media Group trading as Kumba TV, Fairtalk Communications trading as Ke Yona TV and Channel Dzimbahwe trading as Channel D.
“The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe wishes to advise the public that the process of licencing new television services has been completed,” said BAZ board chairman Mr Charles Sibanda this morning.
“The authority processed the applications in terms of the requirements of the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06} including conducting public inquiries to determine applicant’s suitability to be issued with broadcasting services licences.”
“The new licensees shall have eighteen (18) months to rollout their plans and go on air, in line with section 11 (7) of the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:6].
“In the event of failure to broadcast, the licences will be availed to other aspirants through a similar process,” said Mr Sibanda.
Recently, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo said the implementation of various reforms by the Second Republic has given credence to re-engagement efforts. Mbizo legislator Settlement Chikwinya (MDC-Alliance) who is the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services chair, hailed the milestone of awarding licences to private players.
Many Zimbabweans who have praised the move as a democratic move. Zimbabwe is now open for business and the media space is open for anyone to use.
Cde Victor Matemadanda the ZANU PF National Political Commissair said” those who have viewed Zimbabwe as a closed state must be quacking in their shoes as Zimbabwe has shown that it is purposed to clear the democratic space by freeing the air waves.
Vazet2000@yahoo.co.uk
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