Sundaymail Editor
Society Reporter
IT’S now here!
ZTN Prime channel went live, with the first programme being aired on Tuesday.
The news and entertainment channel is available on DStv channel 294.
“We are excited to be on air. We have been putting this together for a while now and we are very confident of the product,” said ZTN general manager Ms Nomsa Nkala.
Feedback from viewers, thus far, is encouraging.
“This is a welcome development. Competition always guarantees quality. I have watched a couple of programmes since they went live (last Tuesday) and everything seems to be on point. Yes, they can improve on one or two aspects but so far so good,” said Harare-based viewer Tichaona Mhazi.
Others believe this is the dawn of a new era. Already, the channel has the rights to screen the local Castle Lager Premier Soccer League and is promising to maintain quality programming.
“I have always followed ZTN programmes on social media, including their live coverage of local premier league matches. I think we have just opened a new page in as far as national television is concerned in Zimbabwe. They (ZTN Prime) need our support so that they further improve the product or even add more channels,” added another viewer Christine Moyo from Gweru.
The channel, Ms Nkala said, had diverse programming that is specially crafted for all Zimbabweans.
ZTN Prime is accessed by DStv premium, compact plus, compact, access and lite bouquet customers.
“We believe that every Zimbabwean will find something that appeals to them on ZTN.
“We are accessible through all MultiChoice gadgets including DStv-on-the-go, meaning the Zimbabweans can access our channel from wherever they are,” she said.
Content on ZTN Prime ranges from current affairs, lifestyle, business, entertainment, soap operas, children programmes, sport, drama and news.
“There is something for everyone; you will find what appeals to you on our channel.”
The ZTN general manager said this was the beginning of bigger things to come.
“We will continue improving our product and looking at other opportunities. We do not want to end with ZTN Prime but we will look at other possibilities that may be out there,” she said.
ZTN Prime comes a few weeks after another independent channel 3K TV was launched and the recent coming on board of the country’s first-ever youth-centred music channel, Jive TV.
ZTN is a subsidiary of the Zimbabwe Newspapers Ltd (1980), the country’s largest and oldest integrated media company.
Zimpapers is listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange.
Online Reporter