Skyz Metro FM promises to shake airwaves

SKYZ Metro FM, the newly licensed commercial radio station, has promised to shake the airwaves and deliver specialised content that would entertain, satisfy and educate its listenership.

In an interview with Radio Dialogue, Skyz Metro FM, Chief Executive Officer, Qhubani Moyo, said the station would provide an uncensored platform where people from Bulawayo could discuss issues that affect them as residents.

"The advantage of radio is it offers various audience different kinds of programming. Radio is the ideal means of reaching out and in turn, we want residents to reach out to us as well," he said.

Moyo said at the moment, Skyz Metro FM was setting up itself, establishing itself for the day it goes live on air.

"For now focus is on setting up the studio and other logistics. As for staff, we will see to that later but we will put an advertisement for those who would like to join Skyz Metro FM team," he said.

The Skyz Metro FM boss underlined that Bulawayo should expect to hear the show's first broadcast on the airwaves no later than August 1, 2015.

"As for challenges – financial and others that we might encounter, we are still growing, we have not experienced challenges yet as the station. We are a different industry, radio is a retail sector, we hope to attract many advertisers via our content and potential. We want to aim higher as Bulawayo's commercial radio station," Moyo said.

Following the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe's announcement of the eight commercial radio stations to receive licenses, people have made various comments, some are elated, others are sceptical.

Bulawayo citizens interviewed randomly, Lungile Moyo, said in as much as he welcomed the new station he hoped it would be transparent and accountable to listeners.

"I am happy, yes, it had been long overdue we need multi radio stations in the country and of course we expect transparency from the station," he said.

Pauline Bhebhe said as long as the station was fair, balanced, she had no problem with it, beside the country need more radio stations.

"There was talk that those who awarded licences are affiliated to the ruling party, we read the papers and stories on line -we see these things. I don't know which is which, as long as Skyz does its job, gives everyone space to talk regardless of political affiliation or ecenomic muscle, it's all good," she said.

Commenting on social media, veteran broadcaster now based outside the country, Eric Knight said: "I am naturally excited on behalf of Skyz Metro FM and Breeze FM for being granted the Commercial Broadcasting Licences for Bulawayo and Victoria Falls respectively. After a gruelling process, the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe saw it befitting to let whom the cap fit wear it. Well done Qhu Qhu and the crew. Alitshone ikhuba bafoza. Gejo ngarinyure. The Station In Action for the Nation!"

Trading as Fairtalk Communications, Skyz Metro FM in Bulawayo will also be complemented by "sister" Breeze FM in Victoria Falls.