MEMBERS of the Media, Information and Communication Technology Parliamentary Portfolio Committee who toured ZiFM radio station yesterday hailed the broadcaster’s role in developing the media sector in the country.
REPORT BY TINASHE SIBANDA
ZiFM, the country’s first private commercial radio station, was launched on August 15, 2012.
It is the first local broadcaster to stream live on the internet.
“We are happy with the technology at ZiFM where there is use of digital technology unlike the old analogue and because of this it is helping them reach a wider audience,” said the committee acting chairperson and Makoni South MP Pishayi Muchauraya.
The 11 members of the committee toured the station’s premises, viewing its equipment, newsroom, studio and learning how the station disseminated information to their audiences worldwide.
“We have a deadline of three years to have full national coverage and we are happy to say at this phase we have so far covered Beitbridge, Bulawayo, Gweru, Harare, Kadoma, Masvingo, Mutare, Mutorashanga, Nyanga and Victoria Falls. We have designated 24 transmission sites to be placed around the country,” ZiFM chief executive Supa Mandiwanzira said.
He said ZiFM is a commercial self-funded station which had no political affiliations and was run through the principles of journalism.
