State controlled Zimpapers to apply for TV licence

The state controlled Zimbabwe Newspapers on Monday said it will apply for a television licence to complement its radio licence so that it becomes a fully fledged media organisation.

The newspaper group last month was granted a commercial radio licence after going through a rigorous vetting exercise that saw the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe awarding licences to Zimpapers and AB

Communications. In his speech during the Zimpapers End of Year Cocktail, board chairman Dr Paul Chimedza said the group would apply for a television licence as soon as the opportunity availed itself.

"The highlight for 2011 is our successful bid for a radio licence, which positions us strongly in the market and moves us closer to achieving our vision of being an integrated media house.

"This generated a lot of anger in some quarters who are unhappy about our getting the radio licence. People have a democratic right to express themselves publicly, privately, in the courts of law, in Parliament or even underwater about this issue. As a board and management all this should not concern us at all. No amount of smoke or dust should distract us from forging ahead to produce a scintillating radio product."

Dr Chimedza said a television station for Zimpapers would be in line with global market trends in the media industry. He said 2011 was a mementos year for Zimpapers as the group successfully defended the newspaper market with its products remaining dominant.

"The year began with our flagship, The Herald, on high having been crowned the Super Brand of the Year for 2010 in the print category. This meant we had to work harder to protect the brand through constant product development, innovation and being consistently relevant to our readers and advertisers. It meant we had to provide a total package that would give readers and advertisers value for money. This was not easy given the newsprint challenges that we continued to grapple with throughout the year.

"But in the end it was worthwhile as The Herald, The Sunday Mail and Natprint made it to the podium at the 2011 Superbrands awards."

He said The Sunday Mail remains the runaway leader in circulation and advertising support, H-Metro continues to be the readers' darling while Kwayedza was on a re-bound.

"Our readers and advertisers have spoken. The market accepts our products and will choose us first. It is now up to us to build on that goodwill to take the business to greater heights in 2012."

Dr Chimedza, however, expressed regret that the success of Zimpapers' products did not translate into anticipated and planned profits.

"We have to examine our ratios and continue to make the necessary investments in terms of equipment and machinery to reap the financial rewards that we deserve."

He said focus would remain on product development and profitability while maintaining control of the news agenda guided by national interests.

"Our commitment to pursuing a Pan-African and nationalist agenda must remain unshakeable, especially given the drive towards resource nationalism as shown by the indigenisation and economic empowerment

programme. The readers are looking up to us to set the agenda and define reality for them.

"The credibility of our newspapers must never be questioned. Pettiness and greatness cannot co-exist. If we are to remain great we cannot afford to be petty," he said.

Dr Chimedza said the group should continue to display maturity in the way it practices journalism.
He hailed the re-design by some of the group's newspapers adding that the process should be completed at all newspapers.