George Maponga-Masvingo Bureau
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its commitment to building a diverse and inclusive broadcasting sector that is responsive to the information needs of Zimbabweans, as the country moves towards Vision 2030.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda highlighted the importance of collaboration among public, commercial and community broadcasters while urging operators to guard against misinformation and disinformation.
Speaking at the official opening of the inaugural Campus Radio Broadcasting Symposium at Great Zimbabwe University’s (GZU) Robert Mugabe School of Education, Dr Soda addressed challenges affecting campus radio stations, focusing on sustainability, governance and the regulatory environment.
He described campus radio stations as crucial incubators for nurturing young media talent.
“Campus radio occupies a unique space in Zimbabwe’s broadcasting landscape,” said Dr Soda.
“It is where many of our future presenters, producers, journalists, engineers and media managers first learn their craft. It is where young people find their voice, debate issues that shape their lives and take part in the civic life of the nation.”
He added that Government’s vision of a collaborative broadcasting sector relies on campus radio stations to bridge the gap between the lecture room and the newsroom, although he acknowledged that the stations face persistent operational constraints.
“Our campus stations continue to face persistent challenges in funding, governance, technology adoption and regulatory compliance,” he said.
“Many depend heavily on their host institutions. Some struggle with equipment and connectivity.
“Another obstacle is the five-kilometre broadcast radius restriction. A sector that matters this much deserves a clear policy direction.”
Dr Soda urged campus radio stations to move away from relying on a single source of income and instead explore diverse funding models through partnerships with the corporate sector, development partners and local businesses.
He also underscored the importance of strong corporate governance.
“Every station needs clear structures, defined roles, sound financial management, and editorial policies that are written down and followed,” he said.
“Institutional leadership must provide oversight and continuity while giving students the space to lead and learn. Good governance is what turns a club into an institution.”
The minister maintained that regulation exists to protect the public interest and uphold professional standards rather than hinder growth in the sector.
“I call on all campus broadcasters to treat compliance as part of their professional training,” he said.
“Respect your licence conditions, uphold broadcasting standards, promote local content and guard against misinformation, hate speech and other forms of unacceptable conduct.”
Dr Soda acknowledged that the current five-kilometre broadcast radius restriction affects sustainability and challenged the symposium to submit recommendations on the issue.
He also encouraged campus radio stations to embrace streaming and platform convergence and challenged delegates to consider the viability of introducing community television stations.
Dr Soda commended GZU Campus Radio for becoming the first campus radio station to receive a broadcasting licence and the first campus station to interview President Mnangagwa live on air.
GZU Vice-Chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo, in a speech read on his behalf by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Marian Tukuta, highlighted the university’s pioneering record and revealed plans to establish a campus television station.
Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe chief executive Engineer Mathias Chakanyuka said the symposium seeks to develop strategies to ensure campus and community radio stations operate sustainably as anchors of socio-economic transformation.
Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ezra Chadzamira commended GZU Campus Radio for its contribution to socio-economic development in Masvingo District.
The two-day symposium, held under the theme “Sustainability, Governance and the Regulatory Environment”, concludes today.
Prior to the event, Dr Soda and Minister Chadzamira led a public clean-up campaign in the Masvingo industrial area.
