Broadcasting aspirants KISS FM yesterday announced they were withdrawing their appeal made to the Administrative Court last year, challenging the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ)s decision to deny them a radio broadcasting licence.
KISS FMs decision to withdraw their appeal leaves another losing aspirant VOX Media as the only one contesting BAZs decision to deny them one of the two licence awarded to alleged Zanu PF sympathisers, Zimpapers and ABC owned by former journalist Supa Mandiwanzira.
KISS FM Spokesperson, Sharon Mugabe said: “The media landscape, globally, has drastically changed, particularly with the migration of airwaves from the analogue to the digital platform. These advances have seen the seamless delivery of media across channels, creating new opportunities to participants and for channels of media previously excluded.”
With these changes imminent in Zimbabwe, KISS FM has made a calculated decision to withdraw its appeal, and instead to position itself to launch in anticipation of these developments in Zimbabwe, she said.
Mugabe said the company took pride in its 100% Zimbabwean composition and the collective passion for Zimbabwes broadcasting industry which its directorship has.
She further highlighted the strength of the project promoters lay in collective experience which includes leading businessman and chairman of KISS FM Douglas Munatsi, music icon Oliver Mutukudzi, and familiar names in broadcasting like CEO-designate Musi Khumalo.
Mugabe dismissed allegations that KISS FM had plagiarised a South African Broadcasting Corporation document as baseless and without merit. She said in terms of station format and technical details, KISS FM presented a substantial and compelling bid.
She also noted the station had secured funding which guaranteed its ability to fully implement its project plan up to, and beyond the point of the stations launch, and as a commercially viable venture.
