Govt opens TV space

Norman Muchemwa

The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) is inviting new players to venture into television and radio broadcasting.

The invitation by the authority is line with the Broadcasting Services Act [12:06].

The invitation for applications for new broadcasting licences comes at a time the Government is swiftly moving to open up the democratic space and allow for freedom of expression in the country.

Media is a key component in development and allowing divergent views will help Government in its endeavour to attain an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

A general notice 2020 released by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe Thursday reads: “In terms of Section 10 of the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06], the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe hereby invites applications for licences to provide the following:

“Free-to-air national commercial television broadcasting services, free-to-air community radio broadcasting services and community radio stations.”

Six television licences covering all parts of the country, 10 radio stations covering various local communities and 19 campus radio stations covering a five-kilometre radius will be issued out.

Licences for both television and radio will cover for 10 years, which will be subject to review.

Campus radio stations are reserved mainly for universities and colleges that offer journalism and media studies for students to have practical experiences.

The application fee for television licences is pegged at $42 500 while public inquiry fee for the same category is $127 500 with licensing fee per annum pegged at $306 000.

For community radios application fee is pegged at $8 500 while licence fee per annum is $17 000.

Campus radio stations are reserved mainly for universities and colleges that offer journalism and media classes for students to have practical experiences.

Speaking during the World Radio Day commemorations last week, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, reiterated Government’s commitment to open the airwaves.