FM, TV transmission expansion rollout to intensify

The Government says it will fast-track the rollout of Frequency Modulation (FM) and television transmission expansion across Zimbabwe in 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen communication between the State and citizens.

The initiative is anchored in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services' strategic plan, unveiled by Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana during a week-long strategic review and planning workshop in Vumba.

Mr Mangwana said the expansion of FM and television transmission was vital in enhancing two-way communication and ensuring access to information in all parts of the country.

"About 61 percent of Zimbabweans still access information through radio. It remains the most effective way of communicating with our people," he said. "We need to accelerate the rollout of FM networks across the country because that is the only way citizens can access information."

He expressed concern over the slow progress on television transmission, noting that despite years of meetings and budget allocations, there had been "no tangible movement" in the past five years.

Turning to the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), Mr Mangwana addressed public concerns over radio licence fees, which currently stand at US$92 per year (or US$23 per quarter) for motorists. He stressed that revenue from the fees should be used to improve programming and restore ZBC's status as the channel of choice - not for executive luxuries.

"ZBC now has more money than it has had in years, but it's not for splashing around. It must be used to drive the national agenda, change ZBC's reputation, and empower content creators," he said.

Mr Mangwana urged ZBC to pay local producers promptly, saying failure to do so had "decimated the local content creation industry". He emphasised that all funds collected through licence fees must be properly accounted for.

The Permanent Secretary also challenged New ZIANA to review its operations and relevance in the modern information landscape, particularly its role as a state news agency.

"New ZIANA remains relevant through its community newspapers written in local languages, but its news agency side needs re-evaluation," he said. "It is fully funded by the fiscus, and we must ask what return we are getting for that investment."

In his welcome remarks, Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Misheck Mugadza praised the ministry's communication projects in the province, including the Garahwa Transmission Tower (Ndau FM) and several community radio stations in Chimanimani, Nyanga, and Vemuganga.

He called on the ministry to prioritise Buhera, Honde Valley, Rusape, parts of Nyanga and Chipinge, and Headlands in the next budget to ensure complete radio coverage.

"We have seen tangible progress in radio coverage, but some areas remain uncovered. I hope these gaps will be addressed in the coming year," said Mugadza.

The ministry's renewed focus on transmission infrastructure forms part of the Second Republic's drive to promote inclusive information access and strengthen the role of public communication in national development.