adminArron Nyamayaro
RADIO stations have been urged to improve their content to remain relevant in the digital era.
The call was made by Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa, at the launch of refurbished ZBC Mbare studios yesterday.
The Mbare studio houses both Radio Zimbabwe and National FM, whose combined listenership has grown to over eight million. The two stations have incorporated the country’s 16 officially recognised languages.
Minister Mutsvangwa said information dissemination remains key in nation building, especially as the countdown to the 2023 general elections begins.
She called on the media to remain professional and remain guided by journalism ethics in discharging their mandate.
‘‘The media are the ears and eyes of society that shape opinion and should therefore desist from fanning violence, but instead condemn it in the strongest sense.
“Radio remains a popular form of communication as it affords a two-way communication between the broadcaster and the listeners. The invention of information and communication technology gadgets such as mobile phones and improved internet connectivity have fast-tracked growth of radio listenership across the country and indeed the world,” she said.
She also hailed radio for its role in promoting dialogue and national debates.
“Ardent radio listeners can easily follow and participate in various radio programmes wherever they are without being confined to their homes.
“They can also freely express their sentiments without fear, thus improving on our democracy.
“The refurbishment of the studios goes a long way in the promotion of free flow of information attesting to the Government’s commitment to promoting media diversity and plurality.
“This remarkable achievement comes in the wake of the licensing of 14 community radio stations, seven campus radio stations and six private commercial TV stations, bridging the gap between urban and previously marginalised rural communities, leaving no one and no place behind,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She toured the ZBC Mbare studios where she was shown a LAWO radio broadcasting system and the Radio Computing System installed to automate the system with backup mechanisms.
The system reduces financial pilferage through enhanced monitoring, producing detailed reports of all programmes and adverts played on air.
It also compiles detailed reports of all music played on every station making ZBC comply with broadcasting regulations.
The system also enhances signal quality using professional digital audio sound cards, and provides online streaming services needed for live broadcasts.
Online Reporter