'ZTV programmes outdated, poor'

BULAWAYO Residents yesterday told the Information and Media Panel of Inquiry (IMPI) in Nkulumane that they are forced to watch expensive foreign stations because the ZBC has poor quality programmes.

In an emotionally-charged public meeting at Nkulumane Hall, residents complained that most of the content on local television and radio was of poor quality and ignored issues from the region.

Hlalani Manyathela said it was painful to note that local football was beamed live on satellite television, which is expensive and yet they pay for television and radio licences.

"Why should we watch local matches on SuperSport when we have ZTV and pay our licences?" he  asked.

He said local stations should be able to come up with a variety of interesting programmes, adding that ZTV2 in Bulawayo had poor sound quality.

Imelda Moyo said most of the programmes on ZBC TV were old and did not appeal to the youth.

"We need diversity of programmes that cater for all age groups," she said.

The media was castigated for concentrating on negative issues that divided the nation. One of the participants, Sithabile Hlongwane, said media organisations must promote local artistes and desist from concentrating on negative issues.

"We want a media that promotes local artistes so that we preserve our culture and heritage. Asifuni ukuthi lapha koBulawayo kwenziwe iprogramme eyodwa – ‘Inhlupho Zalamuhla'. Kanti yithi sodwa esilenhlupho yini?" she said.

Residents also urged the government to lower licence fees.

Among other issues that were presented to the panel was the need for community radios, depolarisation of the media and improving the professionalism of journalists.

Residents implored the panel, which is chaired by veteran journalist Geoff Nyarota, to ensure that all their concerns were addressed adding that consultations should be held regularly.