Zimbabwe’s The Chronicle reports that on July 6, 14 newly licensed FM community radio stations formed the National Association of Community Broadcasters (NACB Zimbabwe) to ensure adequate representation of their interests.
Mkhululi Ncube writes that while most of the radio stations are already broadcasting, some are preparing to launch their services. The stations are Kasambabezi FM (which covers Kariba), Ntepe-Manama (Gwanda), Radio Bukalanga (Plumtree), Nyangani FM (Inyanga), Madziwa FM (Shamva), Lyeja FM (Hwange), Twasumpuka FM (Binga), Bayethe FM (Matobo), Avuxeni FM (Chiredzi), Chimanimani FM (Chimanimani), Lotsha FM (Beitbridge), Ndau FM (Chipinge), Vemuganga FM (Chipinge) and Ingqanga FM (Mbembesi.)
Ncube quotes NACB coordinator and spokesperson Yvonne Tshedu Buzwane, who is also Radio Bukalanga’s station manager: “The needs of community radios have evolved after licensing, and one of the key issues is sustainability, which requires a lesser focus on community radios that are now on air. The association’s mandate is coordinating community broadcasters, unifying their voice and representing their collective interests. This includes a move towards self-regulation, peer learning, and standardization of community broadcaster operations.”
Zimbabwe’s broadcast landscape has significantly shifted since President Mnangagwa came to power. Recently, the Government agreed to all community radio stations to accept commercial advertising.
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