News / National
ZBC scoff at questions on why Grace Mugabe's rallies were televised live
25 Oct 2015 at 08:02hrs | Views
SINCE her dramatic entry into mainstream politics last year, First Lady Grace Mugabe has hopped from one podium to another, with an open cheque to build a profile that has thrust her as one of the frontrunners to succeed President Robert Mugabe.
All this was beamed live on ZBC TV and aired on radio, by a state broadcaster barely able to pay salaries, let alone suppliers of content and musicians, who for years, have toiled for nothing.
ZBC scoffed at questions on why Grace's rallies were televised live.
"Just so we illustrate this point, while the question is being asked why ZBC covered the rallies, it is not accurate to suggest that every media organisation was represented at both the Rushinga and other rallies held by the First Lady. In the context of this factor alone, it is absolutely misplaced to ask ZBC to justify coverage of these events," ZBC spokesperson Gladman Bandama said.
Experts say commercial rates for an outside broadcast van hiring range between $80 000 and $90 000, excluding the crew and their allowances.
"It will set you back at least $80 000 and $90 000, to hire an OB Van for a two-hour broadcast. Then there is the crew that includes technicians, anything from 25 people, at least four cameras and the whole gamut. For that, it is another $30 000. That would take you to about $120 000 for each event," The Standard heard.
There is also the cost of a satellite link every time an event is broadcast live.
An official at the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe who spoke on condition of anonymity said; "A temporary satellite uplink would require a $2 500 non-refundable fee and at least $1 500 for each event".
It would add at the very least another $60 000 to $70 000 on the costs to ZBC.
All this was beamed live on ZBC TV and aired on radio, by a state broadcaster barely able to pay salaries, let alone suppliers of content and musicians, who for years, have toiled for nothing.
ZBC scoffed at questions on why Grace's rallies were televised live.
"Just so we illustrate this point, while the question is being asked why ZBC covered the rallies, it is not accurate to suggest that every media organisation was represented at both the Rushinga and other rallies held by the First Lady. In the context of this factor alone, it is absolutely misplaced to ask ZBC to justify coverage of these events," ZBC spokesperson Gladman Bandama said.
Experts say commercial rates for an outside broadcast van hiring range between $80 000 and $90 000, excluding the crew and their allowances.
"It will set you back at least $80 000 and $90 000, to hire an OB Van for a two-hour broadcast. Then there is the crew that includes technicians, anything from 25 people, at least four cameras and the whole gamut. For that, it is another $30 000. That would take you to about $120 000 for each event," The Standard heard.
There is also the cost of a satellite link every time an event is broadcast live.
An official at the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe who spoke on condition of anonymity said; "A temporary satellite uplink would require a $2 500 non-refundable fee and at least $1 500 for each event".
It would add at the very least another $60 000 to $70 000 on the costs to ZBC.
Source - thestandard
