Community radio stations to hold inaugural radio fair

Thupeyo Muleya

Beitbridge Bureau

The 14 licensed community radio stations in the country are set to hold their inaugural radio fair in Harare this week to enhance collaboration on several issues affecting them.

The event, which will run from Wednesday to Friday, is being organised by the National Association of Community Broadcasting (NACB) which brings together all community radio stations.

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Zimbabwe is supporting the initiative.

In a statement, NACB said lined-up events include a Community Radio Gender Justice Workshop, a Community Radio Fair, and Stakeholder Engagement Meetings.

“The primary goal of this activity is to enhance community radio stations’ capacity to create more inclusive programming and facilitate the expansion of their networks with various stakeholders that are interested in supporting the financial, institutional, and social sustainability of community broadcasting,” said NACB.

“The 14 licensed community radio stations scattered across the country offer new opportunities for more diverse and gender-sensitive programming.

“They offer a platform of expression for marginalised voices to discuss and address local issues and hold duty bearers to account, increasing public engagement and creating a more inclusive society.”

The organisation said it is important to build the capacity of community radio stations as they drive gender justice and facilitate engagement with stakeholders who resonate with community development.

NACB said the Community Radio Gender Justice Workshop will train community radio stations on delivering gender-just, gender-responsive, and gender-relevant programs.

On the other hand, the Stakeholder Engagement Meetings are set to foster connections for potential collaboration with funding partners and embassies, civil society, media, the corporate sector, and Government institutions.

“The Community Radio Fair will create a platform for networking with stakeholders and it will also include an on-site live studio with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ),” said NACB.

“This initiative underscores the importance of community radio stations in fostering gender justice, inclusive media, and public participation.

“Support rendered to community radio stations to build their capacity is instrumental in assisting them to play their transformative role in their communities and in contributing to advancing a more equitable society.”