Online Reporter
Peter Matika
INFORMATION, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, yesterday toured the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s (ZBC) Montrose Studios in Bulawayo to assess progress on the modernisation and expansion of the facility.
The modernisation of the studios forms part of the ongoing Zim Digital Phase Two project, which seeks to transform the country’s broadcasting infrastructure and enhance production capacity.
Dr Muswere was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in his Ministry, Mr Nick Mangwana, ZBC board chairperson, Ms Helliate Rushwaya and the corporation’s newly appointed chief executive, Mr Sugar Chagonda.
Speaking during the tour, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far.
“We are satisfied in terms of the technical achievements and the refurbishment that you undertook in terms of the modernisation of the studios. This is a precursor to a visit by His Excellency Dr ED Mnangagwa, who will officially commission the Montrose studios. There are now eight radio studios and two new TV studios and this is part of the modernisation thrust,” said Dr Muswere.
The Minister said the project will be linked to innovation hubs and content centres across the country, supporting both education and the promotion of heritage broadcasting.
“This will be part of our heritage broadcasting project. I am very pleased to see the dedication and effort put into the modernisation and expansion of the studios,” said Dr Muswere.
He said the upgraded studios would not only improve broadcasting quality, but also enable ZBC to keep pace with global technological trends and meet the evolving needs of audiences.
The modernisation and expansion of the studios are integral components of the Zim Digital phase two project, which seeks to keep pace with technological advancements and improve the overall broadcasting experience for audiences.
The upgrades at the studios will facilitate the creation of high-quality content and provide ZBC with state-of-the-art facilities to produce a wide range of programmes.
Dr Muswere highlighted the importance of such initiatives in advancing Zimbabwe’s broadcasting industry and supporting the country’s digital transformation efforts.
“Investing in modern infrastructure and upgrading our broadcasting facilities is essential for promoting innovation and enhancing the competitiveness of our media sector,” he said.
The Montrose Studios upgrades are expected to facilitate the production of high-quality content and broaden programming, positioning ZBC as a strong player in Zimbabwe’s digital transformation agenda.
The Minister commended ZBC management and staff for their dedication to the project and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that drive growth in the broadcasting sector.
The Zim Digital Migration Project, launched in line with the International Telecommunications union (ITU) resolution for countries to switch from analogue to digital broadcasting, is being implemented in phases.
The initiative is aimed at improving signal quality, expanding access to television and radio services and creating a platform for local content development.
The first phase saw the rollout of digital transmitters in key areas across the country, while the second phase focuses on upgrading production and studio facilities such as Montrose in Bulawayo and Pockets Hill in Harare.
Montrose Studios, one of ZBC’s oldest broadcasting centres, has for years battled outdated equipment, which limited its ability to produce modern, high-quality programming.
The latest upgrade is expected to restore Bulawayo’s position as a key broadcasting hub, complementing Pockets Hill in Harare.
