Zimbabwe Talk Radio stations fail to take off

The two private radio stations that were awarded operating licences last year announced yesterday they would only be ready to go on air at least three months from now, well after expiry of the six-month deadline provided for under the Broadcasting Services Act.

The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) regulations stipulate that new players should start broadcasting within six months of getting a licence.

Zimpapers' Talk Radio and Supa Mandiwanzira's AB Communications were awarded the licences six months ago.

Talk Radio and AB Communications won their licences ahead of Hot Media, operating as Kiss FM, despite it having more resources than the other two.

Speaking before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Media, Information and Communication Technology, Zimpapers Talk Radio and AB Communications representatives said their stations might start programming in the next two and three months, respectively.

Zimpapers chief executive officer Justin Mutasa told the committee the radio station would operate as an independent entity.

AB Communications' major shareholder Mandiwanzira dispelled fears his radio station would be used to churn out Zanu-PF propaganda.

"My political affiliations, which are unknown at this particular stage, could not have assisted in us getting the licence," Mandiwanzira said.