adminTanaka Mahanya
THE Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS) has hailed the Government for licensing 14 radio stations.
However, ZACRAS is calling for amendment of the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA SI 39 of 2020) saying it limits the day-to-day running of community radio stations.
Speaking at a meeting on sustainability measures for community radio stations in Zimbabwe, ZACRAS national coordinator, Sandra Mazunga, said they were appealing to the Government and policy makers to consider relaxing the legal framework, particularly on advertising.
She hailed the Government for licensing 14 radio stations saying this will go a long way in promoting diversity.
“This ensures that sustainability of radio stations is upheld in Zimbabwe.
“Community radio stations are not allowed to advertise, which limits how they operate taking into consideration that they should make profits.
“We, therefore, plead with the Government to relax that clause,” she said.
She appealed to partners that may offer technical support to ensure that community radio stations are viable and remain vibrant in communities.
“We are also calling on communities to engage in community mobilisation, where we can say may there be community ownership, and society becomes part of building these stations.
“We applaud the Government for licensing 14 radio stations as this will go a long way in promoting diversity,” she said.
In a speech read on his behalf, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services permanent secretary, Nick Mangwana, said community radio stations had given marginalised societies a voice to contribute to the country’s development matrix.
“The community radio stations have resulted in capacity development enhancement and ensured community constructive participation in national development discourse.
“They are, indeed, an information diffusion strategy to communicate in the language and formats that suit the communities.
“These stations thus help in building awareness on social issues, cultural exchange, education on protection of the environment, poverty and address gender inequalities,” he said.
Online Reporter