Government pledges more support to community radio stations

Trust Freddy

Herald Correspondent

Government has pledged to continue supporting community radio stations by ensuring that they have adequate resources.
Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said this earlier today during the launch of a report on best community radio practices by the Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS).

The report not only provides critical insights into the practices of community radios in the country but will also serve as a roadmap for future endeavours.

“His Excellency, President Dr ED Mnangagwa guarantees continued support to community radio stations by ensuring that they have adequate resources,” Minister Muswere said in a speech read on his behalf by the acting media services director in his ministry, Mr Hymn Mureru.

“To ensure sustainability and boost revenue collection by community radio stations, Government gazetted Statutory Instrument 120 of 2023 which allows community radio stations to advertise for not more than four minutes per hour.”

The growth of community radio stations, Minister Muswere said, has created employment opportunities for media practitioners, affording them a wide range of platforms to showcase their talent and expertise.

ZACRAS national coordinator Ms Sandra Mazunga said: “We looked at the 14 licensed community radio stations and the seven campus radio stations.

“We looked at them right from the start, their establishment and how they are operating in Zimbabwe. We looked at the challenges they are facing and the future of community radio stations in Zimbabwe.”