Online Reporter
Sunday Mail Reporter
ZIMBABWE is accelerating its march towards digital media sovereignty through a nationwide broadcasting modernisation programme that blends terrestrial and satellite technologies.
Transmedia Corporation, the State’s sole signal distribution company, is expanding coverage to underserved areas, while integrating clean energy and digital innovation into its infrastructure.
Speaking at Transmedia’s 17th annual general meeting in Harare on Friday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the Government was prioritising the full rollout of digital and satellite infrastructure to secure universal broadcasting coverage.
“We have completed the digital infrastructure master plan for the ICT (information and communication technology) sector,” he said.
“Now, we must consolidate efforts to reduce operational costs. The digital phase grants us technological sovereignty, and we must align this with terrestrial and satellite infrastructure.”
With Zimbabwe chairing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and holding membership in continental bodies such as the Pan-African Parliament, Dr Muswere stressed the urgency of developing a regional satellite communications blueprint.
“We need to formulate a blueprint that ensures the implementation of satellite technology to secure media sovereignty for our country. This will guarantee total coverage across Zimbabwe,” he said.
Dr Muswere called on Transmedia to diversify its operations and adopt evidence-based innovation. “Innovation and evidence-based decision-making are essential. The broadcasting sector must overcome structural barriers and embrace growth through new technologies,” he said, adding that the future of broadcasting lay in “collaborative innovation and infrastructure integration”.
Transmedia chief executive officer Engineer Adonia Mushosho reported that the company posted a 28,8 percent increase in income, reaching ZiG19,4 million in the first quarter of this year.
“We are the sole signal distribution company in Zimbabwe, and infrastructure sharing with telecommunications companies contributed 10 percent of our revenue,” he said.
Despite challenges, Eng Mushosho said network availability stood at 91 percent, short of the 99 percent target.
“Our 2025 target is to instal 10 FM radio transmitters and five TV transmitters. So far, two FM transmitters are operational, with more installations scheduled by July,” he said.
Highlighting recent innovation, he cited a solar-powered transmission tower built in Ngarawa, Nyanga, with support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). “That transmitter now covers a 70km radius and has brought signal and mobile connectivity to a previously excluded community,” he said.
FM radio remains central to reaching rural populations, and both the Government and Transmedia affirmed their commitment to ensuring no community is left behind.
Online Reporter