6 new FM transmitters double Bulawayo radio coverage

The commissioning of six new FM transmitters at Montrose Studios in Bulawayo is set to double radio broadcasting coverage in the city and surrounding areas as the Government moves to modernise the country's ageing transmission infrastructure.

The transmitters were commissioned yesterday as part of an upgrade programme being implemented by Transmedia Corporation (Pvt) Ltd, with the Government saying the initiative will also be extended to other parts of the country.

The modernisation programme is aimed at improving signal quality and expanding access to radio services, particularly in communities that have experienced limited or no broadcasting coverage for decades.

Speaking during an appreciation exercise at Montrose Studios, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Nick Mangwana said the new equipment would significantly improve radio coverage in Bulawayo and surrounding areas.

"This morning I witnessed the commissioning of six new FM transmitters at Montrose Studios in Bulawayo. The new transmitters were acquired by Transmedia as part of its infrastructure upgrade project and will double the radius of radio coverage for Bulawayo and surrounding areas," Mangwana said.

"The project is set to be replicated nationwide in the coming months, ensuring improved coverage in all areas. We have switched off the old equipment, which was installed in 1976, and the Second Republic is on a drive to modernise the equipment."

Mangwana said the old equipment would not be discarded but would instead be redeployed to communities that have historically had limited or no radio transmission.

He identified Gokwe, Mt Darwin, Rushinga and Chivhu among the areas expected to benefit from the redeployment programme.

The move is expected to expand access to news, educational programmes, public information and other broadcasting services in the affected communities.

Mangwana said the initiative was part of efforts to address longstanding disparities in access to information and ensure that communities were not excluded because of their geographical location or inadequate infrastructure.

He said the project was consistent with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's stated objective of leaving no place and no person behind.

"Radio remains an important platform for disseminating public health messages, educational content, agricultural information, national developments and emergency communication, particularly in areas where access to other forms of media may be limited," he said.

Mangwana said the expansion of radio coverage was particularly important for communities that had gone for decades without reliable broadcasting services.

The Government is also seeking to extend the modernisation programme nationwide, with further transmission infrastructure upgrades expected in the coming months.

Transmedia chief executive officer Engineer Adonia Mushosho said the refurbishment programme would address longstanding problems associated with signal distribution and coverage.

"This challenge was mainly caused by outdated equipment but now with the new equipment, transmission radius in Bulawayo has doubled from 40 to 80 kilometres," Mushosho said.

The modernisation of Montrose Studios represents a significant upgrade to broadcasting infrastructure in Bulawayo, while the redeployment of older equipment is expected to extend radio services to areas that have historically lacked adequate coverage.

Transmedia, which is responsible for Zimbabwe's broadcasting transmission infrastructure, is continuing to upgrade transmission systems as the Government seeks to improve the reliability, reach and quality of radio services across the country.