adminHerald Reporter
Fourteen companies have so far applied for television licences, the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has said.
This comes as the country is seeking to encourage media plurality in line with President Mnangagwa’s reform agenda, which includes sweeping changes in the media sector.
Responding to written questions from The Herald, BAZ acting chief executive Mr Matthias Chakanyuka said they will approve six applications from private players.
“The BAZ will be licensing six free to air national commercial TV stations under the digital television platform,” he said.
“The national broadcaster, ZBC, will have another six channels to bring the total number of television stations to be licensed to 12.”
The opening up of the airwaves is being facilitated by the ongoing digitisation programme.
Mr Chakanyuka said they were going to be very careful not to deplete the newly gained frequencies.
“This has been made possible by the digitalisation programme, which has introduced four of what are technically termed multiplexes, with each multiplex carrying a capacity of six HD TV stations,” he said.
Online Reporter