ZTN Prime to Leave DStv

Zimpapers-owned television station ZTN Prime will no longer be available on DStv from September 30, 2026, as the media group moves ahead with a major restructuring programme that will see its television operations shift from traditional broadcasting to an internet-based platform.

DStv confirmed the development in a notice sent to Zimbabwean subscribers, stating that ZTN Prime would be removed from the platform at the end of the month.

"Dear DStv customer, please be advised that ZTN Prime will no longer be available from 30 September 2026 at 23:59 CAT," reads the notice.

The development follows an announcement by Zimpapers board chairperson Doreen Sibanda on Wednesday that the company was embarking on a strategic restructuring exercise as part of its transformation into a sustainable, digital-first media organisation.

While Sibanda did not specifically announce ZTN Prime's withdrawal from DStv, she said the Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN) would migrate from the traditional linear television model to a digital Over-the-Top (OTT) platform.

"The decision follows a comprehensive review of the Group's operations in response to technological advancements, changing media consumption patterns, and the need to ensure long-term competitiveness and sustainability," Sibanda said.

"The restructuring includes the migration of Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN) from a traditional linear television model to a digital Over-the-Top (OTT) platform, as well as the realignment of the Newspapers Division to a digital and mobile-first operating structure."

ZTN Prime was launched in May 2022 and began broadcasting on DStv on May 24 of the same year on Channel 294.

Its arrival brought increased competition to Zimbabwe's television broadcasting sector, which had for decades been dominated by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).

ZTN Prime was among several privately operated stations licensed during the expansion of Zimbabwe's television broadcasting sector, alongside 3Ktv, Keyona TV and the now-defunct NRtv.

The launch was accompanied by expectations that the new station would introduce fresh programming, improved production quality and greater choice for Zimbabwean viewers.

However, changing media consumption patterns and the rapid migration of audiences and advertisers to digital platforms have placed increasing pressure on traditional media businesses.

Globally, traditional media companies have faced declining advertising revenues as advertisers increasingly shift spending towards digital platforms and technology companies, while social media has fundamentally changed how audiences consume news and entertainment.

The restructuring at Zimpapers is expected to have significant consequences for its workforce, with 154 positions reportedly affected.

Sibanda said some jobs had become redundant under the revised operating model and that the company had begun a retrenchment process.

"Certain positions have become redundant within the revised operating model, and the Company has commenced a retrenchment process in compliance with applicable labour laws and established human resources procedures," she said.

The move represents a major shift for Zimpapers' television business, with ZTN expected to increasingly rely on digital and OTT distribution as the company seeks to adapt its operations to changing audience behaviour and the broader transformation of the media industry.