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Business Reporter
Zimbabwe’s largest and only listed media group, Zimpapers, has launched a digital platform meant to position the group in line with the evolving global market technology trends.
This will transform the group into an integrated media house with diversified units able to create synergies between each other to enhance competitiveness in a dynamic market.
Zimpapers has responded to emerging digital technologies and audience migration by creating innovative products to increase its reach and enhanced visibility of advertorial content
At the launch, the group introduced Zimpapers online classifieds, Sports zone as well as Zimpapers news hub and took the opportunity to remind stakeholders of BH24 and its mobile news.
Zimpapers chief technology officer Mr Darlick Marandure told stakeholders who attended the breakfast meeting to mark the launch of the digital platform that Zimpapers is positioning itself to meet the demands of the changing marketing environment.
“Zimpapers is positioning itself to fully exploit opportunities that had been created by the migration of readers to the digital platforms and forthcoming movement from analogue to digital media platforms, which are going to open space for greater participation.
“The group is vigorously implementing strategies to consolidate its grip on the newspaper, broadcasting and commercial printing markets,” said Mr Marandure.
He said Zimpapers was working hard on building a platform of news source for scores of Zimbabweans in the Diaspora as well as those at home.
Zimpapers has also introduced online video content after the group unveiled what is called digital television platforms while it is also working on coming up with a television station.
The group has always been introducing products that enable it to compete against other media houses, both print and online publishers that have been sprouting out over the year
Zimpapers business manager (Digital) Harare branch, Mrs Patience Mhlolo said platforms such as BH24 will go a long way in meeting consumers’ needs as they enable executives to make informed decisions in time.
She said currently BH24 has 15 000 subscribers made up mostly of business managers and executives.
BH24 is there to provide prime business news content targeted at top executives and decision makers.
It is a digital product for those who want to have access to real time detailed business updates and analysis.
“As Zimpapers, we are proud to notify you that there are more than 100 000 visitors to our website daily. This provides an opportunity for our advertisers to increase their business with us. We are prepared to provide the reach and frequency to our stakeholders,” said Mrs Mhlolo.
“Online classifieds will be available via website and accessible to our readers. Digital versions of our print papers will be availed online for subscribed readers who cannot access the hard copy. Sports zone is a mobile app that will be accessed through android phones.”
Upcoming digital products include mobile classifieds, which is a resource for readers to access adverts on mobile phones. Zimpapers general manager Mr Samuel Bepe echoed the same sentiments saying the group will continue working towards ensuring frequency and convenience among its stakeholders.
The publishing said it was creating platforms to crowd source information, promote critical debate, honest reflection and candid dialogue around national and economic issues.
Zimpapers publishes a number of newspapers, among them weeklies: Sunday Mail, Sunday News and Kwayedza, Manica Post and B-Metro and dailies: Herald, Chronicle and H-Metro.
Online Reporter