The Current Radio Scene in Zimbabwe

QSL via Gayle Van Horn Collection

           As you’ve probably heard, Zimbabwe’s long-time ruler Robert Mugabe resigned this past week as president of Zimbabwe.  This was after the country’s military forces put Mugabe under house arrest several days earlier.  One of the first acts of the military, as often happens during a coup, was to take over the state broadcaster, in this case ZBC, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.  It consists of four radio networks and a TV station.  The main radio station is Radio Zimbabwe, also known as Radio Zim.

It has been many years since ZBC broadcast on shortwave.  However, there is a shortwave broadcast going INTO Zimbabwe from a major international broadcaster.  That’s the Voice of America, with its special Zimbabwe Service.

The VOA’s program Studio 7 has been broadcasting to Zimbabwe since 2003, and it has become an important alternative source of news for many Zimbabweans.  The program covers politics, civil society, the economy, health, sports, music, the arts and other aspects of life in Zimbabwe.  The program is multilingual; in English, Shona and Ndebele.

            The VOA Zimbabwe Service appears to be on the air at 1700-2000 UTC daily, with possibly some variations on the weekend.  On the air, they are announcing the frequencies of 909 kHz mediumwave plus 4930, 6080, 13860, 15460 and 15580 kHz shortwave.  These frequencies may be on at different times.  

            We looked at frequency registrations, and 4930 kHz is registered to broadcast to the Zimbabwe area at 0300-0600 and 1400-2100 UTC daily.  That frequency comes from the VOA Botswana relay. The two shortwave channels 13860 and 15460 kHz are registered to be on from 1700-1900 UTC from the VOA site on Sao Tome island.  6080 is registered for 1700-1800 UTC from Sao Tome.  15580 kHz is registered from the VOA Kuwait site from 0300-0500, and from Botswana from 0500-0700 and 1400-2100 UTC.  Some of those transmissions are probably carrying other VOA programs besides VOA Zimbabwe.

The VOA Zimbabwe website, which is www.voazimbabwe.com, says listeners in the area of Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, may experience jamming on 909 kHz AM.  That may have changed now.  The programming can also be heard on satellite and Internet.  We have noted that the times and frequencies on their website do not correspond exactly to the latest HFCC listings and to what they are announcing on air, so there may be some changes due to the recent dramatic events in the country.

(AWR-Waescan/NWS 457)

Radio Dialogue Raided

The following statement comes from Peter Zwidekalanga Khumalo Chairperson, Radio Dialogue
Joint Statement on the Radio Dialogue Raid

March 4, 2013
Radio Dialogue and the Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS) wish to make its stakeholders and the public aware of the developments regarding the raiding of Radio Dialogue on Friday the 1st of March 2013.

Around 10am on the said day, ten ZRP officers from Hillside police station pounced at a Radio Dialogue property located at No. 45 Moffat Ave in Hillside .Upon arrival at the Radio Dialogue property, the police barricaded the road that leads into the referred property and locked some people outside including staff members, with women who were selling their wares along Moffat Ave forced to disperse. The police produced a search warrant and went into the house. Some of the officers were left to stand guard at the gate which they kept locked.The search warrant was in the name of the Radio Dialogue Editor, Zenzele Ndebele, who was suspected to be in possession of 45  solar powered radio sets. The warrant mentioned that Zenzele Ndebele was in possession of ‘smuggled illegal goods.’

Following their search, the officers took with them a total of 180 radio sets to Hillside Police Station together with Zenzele Ndebele, under the pretext that they wanted him to sign for the radios. On arrival at the police station, Ndebele was interrogated by officers suspected to be from the CIO department .The officers proceeded to interrogate Ndebele and wanted to know the source of the radios and why they were being distributed to different communities.

After the interrogation, Ndebele was taken to Bulawayo Central Police Station for further interrogation at the Law and Order Section. During the interrogation, the Law and Order Officers wanted to know where the radios came from and why they were being distributed. Upon completion > of the interrogation, the police added an additional charge to that on the warrant. They added a charge of possession of radios without a listener’s licence. The intensive interrogation lasted seven hours,and at 5pm Zenzele Ndebele was released into the custody of his legal representative ,Kucaca Phulu, until he appears in court . Noting the charges levelled against Radio Dialogue through their representative Zenzele Ndebele, a docket was opened and a subsequent court case was scheduled for Monday, the 4th of March 2013 in Bulawayo. Ndebele has since reported to the police station and the case has been moved to tomorrow,5 March 2013.

Both ZACRAS and Radio Dialogue condemn the action by the Zimbabwe Republic Police .We call upon the Inclusive Government to draw reason from Article 19 of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) which clearly provides for freedom of expression and access to information for citizens including the establishment of new media organisations, community radio stations included.
We believe this move by the Inclusive Government is meant to suffocate the free flow of information as the country moves towards critical periods of the Constitutional Referendum and General Elections. Our view is that it is important for citizens to have free access to information and be able to freely express themselves in order for them to make informed decisions during this critical period and beyond.

We call upon all progressive Zimbabweans and in solidarity with Radio Dialogue, to castigate actions by those that are against the promotion of access to information and free expression .We call upon the Inclusive Government, through the co-ministers of the Home Affairs Ministry to stop the systematic crackdown on progressive forces in Zimbabwe. Radio is a powerful tool for enhancing the active participation of citizens. If this Government is not prepared to make an intervention, we will, as Zimbabwean citizens, continue to feel oppressed by our own Government. Peter Zwidekalanga Khumalo Chairperson (Radio Dialogue) (Alokesh Gupta)

Radio Dialogue shortwave schedule as noted in the March 2013 Monitoring Times MT Xpress:
1600-1700 UTC on 12105 kHz, targeted to Africa. Broadcasting in English, Ndebele and Shona.
 (via WRTH Jan 2013)

VOA Provides Critical Information on Zimbabwe Referendum

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As Zimbabwe prepares for Saturday's planned constitutional referendum, VOA's Studio 7 is broadcasting crucial information about key elements of the charter, which calls for limits on the powers of the president and the elimination of the prime minister post.
 

VOA's Studio 7, one of the leading international broadcasters in Zimbabwe, has published the full text of the draft constitution on its website (here) and has been providing in-depth coverage of constitutional issues online and on its 90-minute evening radio broadcast.

A 30-minute call-in program, LiveTalk, which follows the regular Monday through Friday broadcast, has hosted guests from all parties in the national unity government, activists and academics, as well as experts from the U.S. and around the world.

Audience feedback has been positive.  "Thank you to Studio 7 for all of your Referendum news!", one person wrote.  Another said, "Thank you to Studio 7 for bringing us the truth of these matters."

In addition to broadcasting key provisions of the proposed constitution, VOA is providing extensive coverage of both 'yes' and 'no' supporters. The shows include segments on citizenship, the powers of the president and gender equality.  Additional programs on constitutional issues are planned.

The referendum is expected to be followed by national elections and Studio 7 will offer interviews from candidates in all the parties and their plans to address specific issues.  Studio 7 also has a new media presence online, on Facebook, and mobile sites with links to audio downloads and top stories.

With more than 11,000 SMS subscribers, Studio 7 offers news alerts and other information for mobile phone users.  Studio 7 broadcasts in three languages: English, Shona, and Ndebele.

Research shows that VOA is well known among Zimbabweans.  Studio 7's overall reach is driven primarily by radio, with 13.5% of Zimbabwean adults tuning in every week, according to the most recent audience survey.

Domestic media in Zimbabwe remains tightly controlled and the government has recently begun confiscating shortwave radios which are commonly used to listen to the Voice of America.
(VOA/Kyle King)

Radio VOP applies for operating license in Zimbabwe

One of Zimbabwe’s most widely listened to, but currently unlicensed radio stations and websites, has applied for an operating licence, the Executive Director, John Masuku, has confirmed. Addressing more than 40 Radio VOP website and radio correspondents gathered in Harare for a one-day workshop, Mr Masuku said: “Yes, we have applied for an operating licence. We are waiting to see what will happen.”

The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ), which falls directly under the Media and Information Commission (MIC) currently led by veteran broadcast journalist, Godfrey Majonga, has the final say before issuing out broadcasting licences in Zimbabwe.

Radio VOP is among three independent radio stations broadcasting into Zimbabwe today. Only the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation Holdings Limited (ZBC) operates legally in Zimbabwe. However, people living in Zimbabwe are currently fed up with the national broadcaster which broadcasts mainly former ruling party Zanu (PF) propaganda material which is in black and white and was shot during the days of the liberation struggle before Independence in 1980.

The two other radio stations broadcasting into Zimbabwe are Studio 7 from the Voice of America and UK-based SW Radio Africa. Studio 7 currently led by former senior reporter for The Standard newspaper, Ray Choto, while SW Radio Africa is currently led by Jerry Jackson, a former journalist with the cash-strapped ZBC.
(Source: Radio VOP/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Zanu (PF) jamming on VOA Studio 7

Relentless jamming by President Robert Mugabe’s forces is depriving Zimbabweans of a wide array of free entertainment sources provided by foreign governments. Music and soccer have become the latest battlefronts, with talented musicians forced to sing praises of Mugabe while footballers play in tournaments named after him. But the latest deployment of Chinese-made jamming has forced even the VOA to acknowledge routinely in its Zimbabwe broadcasts that the waves are jammed. An announcer is now regularly heard to say: “This is Studio 7 for Zimbabwe broadcasting on 909 AM, but due to jamming your best reception would be on Shortwave…” Zanu (PF) made external broadcasts a major issue during the negotiations for a settlement in 2008, demanding that they be banned. Recently, the controversially-appointed Broadcasting Authority announced it was ready to take applications, which would be a first step for the so-called pirates to come home. None of the big players have taken up the offer, citing continued insecurity in the country and the sheer economics of setting up independent broadcasting in a collapsing economy. Surprisingly, Zanu (PF) officials are clamouring to be heard on the Voice of America Studio 7, which is virtually banned in Zimbabwe by Mugabe’s government. Recently, senior Zanu (PF) and pro-Mugabe officials Rugare Gumbo, Joram Gumbo, Mines Minister Obert Mpofu and Attorney General Johannes Tomana have freely given interviews to the ‘pirates’. (Source: The Zimbawean)

Zimbabwe legislators fume over broadcasting delays
MDC MPs in Zimbabwe have expressed outrage at the continued delays by the government in issuing broadcasting licences to private players at a time when President Robert Mugabe has tightened his grip on the state-run ZBC. Member of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications, Edward Msumbu (MDC-T, Norton) said he did not believe that Zanu (PF)’s previous paranoid fear of independent broadcasters was still the cause for the delay in the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) issuing licences. “It is accepted by the relevant authorities that licences should be given to broadcasters,” Mr Msumbu said in an interview. “We don’t know where the delay is. The broadcasters are assuring us that all the necessary equipment is there.” Radio VOP director John Masuku confirmed the position, saying the broadcasters were ready to start commercial FM stations any time. He lambasted BAZ for issuing a false statement saying they had opened up for applications. (Source: The Zimbabwean/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Clandestine schedule update

Zimbabwe
New schedule for Voice of People

English, Shona and Ndebele - effective from Dec 10:

All times UTC

0400-0500 11610 MDC 050 kW 265 deg to ZWE
1530-1630 11695 MDC 050 kW 265 deg to ZWE,new
1800-1900 9345 MDC 050 kW 265 deg to ZWE,new,co-ch Radio Bilal til 1830 UT.
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Dec 13)
(DX Mix News 655 via Wolfgang Bueschel & Ivo Ivanov, Bulgaria)

Zimbabwe police launch raid on shortwave radios

Zimbabwe police in Mashonaland East have launched a blitz confiscating shortwave radio sets parcelled out to villagers by non-governmental organisations campaigning for the freeing of the airwaves. Information obtained by Radio VOP on Thursday indicated that the police had been raiding homesteads starting with Murehwa centre in search of the “offending” SW radio sets, in what civil society organisations view as part of a Zanu (PF) strategy to stop rural folk from accessing alternative media sources other than the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).

Due to ZBC’s partisan reporting in favour of President Robert Mugabe and Zanu (PF), Non-governmental organisations have been doling out free SW radios to enable villagers to tune into foreign-based radio stations which beam into the country such as Radio VOP, SW Radio Africa and and the Washington-based Studio Seven run by the Voice of America.

An official with ZimRights told Radio VOP that police officers in the company of members of the dreaded Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) are going around Murehwa District threatening villagers in possession of the NGO donated sets before proceeding to confiscate them. “Three men from Chitowa village fell victim to this police raid early this week and they have been able to identify the police details as Constables Sibanda and Basopo,” said the source.

In a statement to Radio VOP confirming the police actions, ZimRights in Harare said police claimed the distribution of the radio sets were done “behind their backs and without their knowledge.”

“Consequently, they (police) question the motive of the organisations in giving the radios behind their back,” said ZimRights. “They argue that the radios are propaganda driving tools meant to discredit the government. The police claimed that with the radios, the people cannot access official Zimbabwe radio stations. They also cited ZIMRA (Zimbabwe Revenue Authority) complaints about evasion of tax during the importation of the radios,” it added.

National police spokesman, Wayne Bvudzijena said he was not aware of the incidents but promised to investigate.

ZimRights said it was demanding an immediate stop to the victimisation of rural people as well as the violation of their right to access to information and freedom of expression. “Police should practice what they are mandated to do instead of pursuing political agendas, an undesirable characteristic of state security,” said ZimRights.

Despite media reforms being top of the agenda of the government of national unity, Zanu (PF) is refusing to free the airwaves.
(Source: Radio VOP/Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Radio VOP encouraged to stay on the air

Radio Voice of the People must not shut down shortwave programmes because the Government failed to license new players, a media expect and political commentator said. Media expect Takura Zhangazha contributed this during a plenary discussion titled “A liberalised electronic media environment in Zimbabwe, the end of a pipeline dream?” The discussion was held during Radio VOP 10th anniversary in Harare last week.

Mr Zhangazha said, ‘’The Inclusive Government must not coerce Radio VOP and other foreign radio stations to abandon shortwave if it can not reconstitute Broadcasting Service Act [BSA] to allow players to register. Laws infringe liberties of broadcasters, so remain on shortwave to be relevant’’.

‘’Nothing has changed on political landscape that can guarantee any radio station to get a licence. In fact, we have an array of repressive laws that must not deter you, but rather encourage you to remain strong. Laws such as Broadcasting Services Act, Interception of Communication Act, Criminal Law Codification Act as well as Post and Telecommunication Act of Zimbabwe [POTRAZ] do not give you the chance to operate. The authorities will never have power to shut you down on shorwave. Do not lose hope’’ said Mr Zhangazha.

Media Alliance of Zimbabwe co-ordinator Buhle Moyo said there was no justification of continued monopoly by Zimbabwe Broadcasting Cooperation that has failed its mandate as a public broadcaster. ‘’Poor programming by ZBC is scaring away listeners and viewers as a national broadcaster. Patriotism must not be forced on us. It’s difficult to be associated with ZBC. Our children prefer foreign stations that offer variety’’ said Mr Moyo.
(Source: Radio VOP/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

* Radio VOP broadcasts to Zimbabwe via the RNW Madagascar relay station.

0358-0400 UTC on 9895 to Africa in English/Ndebele/Shona
0400-0500 UTC on 9875 to Africa in English/Ndebele/Shona
www.radiovop.com
(Gayle Van Horn, Frequency Manager/MT Express)

Radios confiscated in Zimbabwe

Report: Radios used to listen to VOA Studio 7 confiscated in Zimbabwe

Tony Saxon: "Zanu (PF) supporters and self-styled war veterans here are reportedly moving door-to-door here in an effort to prevent people listening to foreign radio broadcasts by confiscating their radios. The people from Buhera said the move was to force people not to listen to the radio reports on constitution making process that is expected to begin next week. An [opposition] MDC T councillor Tapiwa Ngorima said: 'All those listening to radio stations broadcasting from outside the country are being told they will be identified, because they are accused of influencing others to support the MDC in the area.' He said there were some incidents reported to police in Buhera but there have been no any arrests made so far. 'We have cases where our supporters lost their radios after the Zanu (PF) and war veterans accused them of listening to Studio 7. Their radios were forcibly confiscated. We have made reports to the police in Buhera but nothing was done to bring the perpetrators to book,' said the councillor. Studio 7 is broadcast through the Short Wave from Voice of America."
(The Zimbabwean, June 2, 2010 via Kim Elliott)

Zimbabwe: Radio VOP listenership up

A recent survey has shown that listenership for Radio Voice of the People (VOP) is increasing, with 62 percent listenership in rural areas and 40 percent in urban areas. The survey, carried out by Research Bureau International, revealed the exiled station had, since its launch in 2000, achieved 90 percent penetration among both rural and urban areas audiences.

“In a country where the majority of its employable adult population is out of formal employment, the station has found favour with non working Zimbabweans with nearly three quarters of its listeners derived from the group,” said the survey.

The survey was conducted between July and August this year. It sampled 1 500 people randomly in all the country’s 10 provinces. The survey also revealed that a small majority of its listeners were women.

However, both the urban and rural audience enjoyed the political slot, which continued to expose human rights abuses by the State, the country’s health and economic situation as well as the performance of the seven month old inclusive government, among other broadcasts.

Castigated by Zimbabwe’s government officials as a foreign-funded “pirate” radio, the station broadcasts news, views and information in the country’s three national languages Shona, Ndebele and English. However according to the survey, most listeners preferred to receive the broadcasts in the English language compared to the vernacular ones.

The survey further revealed that the rural audience preferred the evening segment more than the morning one while there was an almost equal listenership of both segments by the urbanites.
For a station that still depend heavily on word of mouth as a source of news, the survey revealed that most listenership habits were usually planned as listeners deliberately tuned in at the times of their favourite broadcasts. Because of the country’s repressive media laws, the station broadcasts to Zimbabwe by RNW’s transmitters in Madagascar. The station has continued to enjoy such good following despite a bomb attack, police raids and arrests as well as jamming by the state.

Radio VOP was established in 2000 as an alternative media. In 2006 it won the One World Broadcasting award for outstanding community media that promotes human rights and sustainable development.

“I am pleased of the good following that we are getting in both urban and rural areas,” said Director, John Masuku. “It shows we are making meaningful contribution towards providing alternative broadcasting in the country. We are also pleased the station has established itself more in rural areas where people are generally not exposed to conventional media and that it is cutting literacy barriers, filling in news gaps which have resulted from the ZBC’s monopoly of the airwaves”.

Zimbabwe still has to invite applications for radio and television licences as required by the Global Political Agreement (PGA). However the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ), which will be responsible for issuing licences, still has to be formally re-constituted following recent interviews by a Parliament select group. The names of the successful candidates have since been forwarded to President Robert Mugabe for final approval.
(Source: Radio VOP/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Officer declares foreign radio stations "at war" with Zimbabwe

Text of report by London-based Zimbabwe independent Short Wave Radio Africa website on 16 September

There are two main excuses that ZANU PF has been using as reasons that the Global Political Agreement has not been fully implemented - the issue of the ’sanctions’ and the so-called ‘pirate’ radio stations broadcasting into Zimbabwe. The regime’s public criticism of ‘pirate’ stations has become more vocal of late, and even senior army senior army chiefs are accusing the stations such as SW Radio Africa and Studio 7 of treason, through their “asymmetrical warfare”.

Lieutenant-General Phillip Valerio Sibanda, the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, told a study seminar of army officers in Harare on Monday that foreign-based radio stations are at ‘war with Zimbabwe’ and told the soldiers to remain on guard against such things.

He was addressing soldiers attending a five day seminar on ‘low intensity operations and asymmetric warfare’ at 2 Infantry Brigade Headquarters in Harare on Monday.

Online blogger Denford Magora quotes the army chief as saying: “Our country is undergoing asymmetric type of war where all means are used to achieve set objectives by our detractors. Zimbabweans must be aware and clearly understand that war is not only about guns and bullets. Zimbabwe’s detractors are using some NGOs and pirate radio stations to spread false and hate messages that will lead to rioting, despondency and eventually cause war.”

The Zimbabwe Times newspaper reports Sibanda saying it was imperative for army officers to be on guard and equip themselves with knowledge of different types of warfare that can be waged against a country by its enemies. The general accused foreign governments of funding this ‘campaign’ to reverse Mugabe’s land reform programme.

Another army official, Brigadier General Douglas Nyikayaramba, said: “There are so many instruments which are used in asymmetric warfare and we, as the Two Brigade, were tasked to equip our army officers with knowledge so that they do not only protect the country with guns.”

Journalist Angus Shaw said this is part of the new scenario where ZANU PF is trying to find blame for the non-implementation of the GPA. He said although Sibanda is generally considered a ‘moderate man,’ his latest statements show that he is now parroting what people are saying within the higher echelons of ZANU PF.

Observers say the regime’s extreme opposition to private radio stations shows that they understand how important radio is for providing access to independent news and information to all Zimbabweans. It also indicates they have no interest in freeing the media and that the only media they want is one that they can completely control, such as the ZBC and the Herald.

Shaw also said ordinary Zimbabweans are hungry for proper information and are frustrated with the subversion of the state media. The journalist said: “There is nothing but hate speech on the ZANU PF controlled media and there is now a smoke and mirror situation where just like the sanctions issue, they are trying to find excuses about why they haven’t moved forward with the constitution commission, media reforms and democratic reforms in general, plus the restoration of law and order.”
(Source: SW Radio Africa website, London, in English 16 Sep 09 via BBC Monitoring/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Zimbabwe broadcasting infrastructure needs a revamp

A Zimbabwean cabinet minister said this week that the cost of repairing equipment at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings is about $US10 million. Information and Publicity minister, Webster Shamu told Parliament that the equipment was now obsolete and in dire need of a revamp.
“The transmitters have been in operation for about 34 years instead of eight, which has significantly affected transmission. The equipment needs to be revitalized due to old age. Almost all the transmitters in the country have outlived their lifespan and need to be revamped,” he said. “About US$4 million is required to revive the radio network while US$5million is required for our television network.”
Mr Shamu said he was hopeful the equipment will be revamped before the end of the year. ZBH has borne the brunt of a shortage of foreign currency over the years. This has seen it fail to either maintain or procure new infrastructure much to the detriment of broadcasting quality. Consequently, most rural areas and a number of urban areas, particularly in the southern region have over the years failed to access programming.
(Source: IT News Africa/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

New Zimbabwean radio station broadcasting from the Emirates

http://appablog.wordpress.com/2009/03/02/zimbabwe-new-zimbabwean-radio-station-broadcasting-from-the-emirates/

HARARE, Zimbabwe, March 2, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ - A new radio station, Zimbabwe Community Radio, is broadcasting from the United Arab Emirates in a bid to create awareness on the value of community radio for development, freedom of speech and promotion of local culture especially among marginalised minorities in the country.

Zimbabwe Community Radio's daily broadcasts are aired between 10PM- 11PM on shortwave. The broadcasts were scheduled to begin on shortwave 5935 kHz on 1 March 2009 but experienced technical hitches necessitating a switch to 5995 kHz on 29 March 2009.

According to representatives of the station, broadcasts would be in three languages isiNdebele, English and Shona as well as providing a channel for communication on economic, political, social, cultural and developmental issues affecting Zimbabweans.

Zimbabwe Community Radio joins several externally-based privately owned stations that include SW Radio Africa based in London, Voice of the People operating from Madagascar, and the Voice of America's Studio 7 broadcasting from Washington DC which were forced to transmit from outside the country because of the country's prohibitive licensing regulations. The radio stations are manned by Zimbabwean journalists exiled in the Diaspora.

According to Article 19 of the Global Peace Agreement signed on 15 September 2008, parties to the government pledged to ensure the immediate processing of licenses by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe in terms of both the Broadcasting Services Act. It also states that
all Zimbabwean nationals, including those currently working for or running external radio stations, shall be encouraged to make applications for broadcasting licenses in Zimbabwe in terms of the law. Please read and distribute this 15 year research article http://tinyurl.com/5vzg7e
(Dario Monferini/playdx2003)

Zimbabwe gets vital news from VOA during crisis

Daily radio program 'Studio 7' broadcasts in English, Shona, and Ndebele

WASHINGTON, December 9, 2008 - The Voice of America (VOA) is providing Zimbabweans with vital information on health, politics and international developments during the crisis that led President Bush today to join those calling for the country's leader to step down.

"The VOA's Studio 7, broadcasting in English, Shona and Ndebele, has long played a critical role in informing the people of Zimbabwe about what is happening in their country," said VOA Executive Editor Steve Redisch. "The country's escalating crisis, and the worldwide attention to it, make accurate news and information more important than ever for Zimbabweans," he said.

In recent months, Studio 7, a daily radio program that has been on the air since 2003, has reported in detail on the humanitarian crisis that intensified as the death toll from a cholera epidemic climbed to over 600, largely as a result of a lack of water treatment and broken sewage pipes.

Several weeks ago, Studio 7 reported on the virtual closure of the state hospital system in Harare and other cities shortly before the cholera epidemic. In addition, Studio 7 has interviewed local health experts and international officials daily. Discussion segments allow listeners to voice concerns about the country, which has few basic commodities, soaring unemployment and sky-high inflation.

In recent days, Studio 7 brought listeners interviews with former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, both members of a delegation dispatched to Zimbabwe by the international organization of eminent persons known as the Elders. The group was barred from entering Zimbabwe by the government.

Zimbabwe's humanitarian crisis - along with the refusal of President Robert Mugabe to adhere to a power-sharing agreement with designated Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai - has prompted a growing chorus of international figures to call for Mugabe to leave.

Studio 7 is funded through a grant from USAID to VOA.

The Voice of America, which first went on the air in 1942, is a multimedia international broadcasting service funded by the U.S. government through the Broadcasting Board of Governors. VOA broadcasts approximately 1,500 hours of news, information, educational, and cultural programming every week to an estimated worldwide audience of more than 134 million people. Programs are produced in 45 languages.
(VOA)

Zimbabwe and China strengthen broadcasting cooperation

Zimbabwe and China have strengthened co-operation in areas of broadcasting following talks between the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings (ZBH) Chief Executive Officer Henry Muradzikwa and his Chinese counterpart, the Vice-President of China Central Television Zhang Changming, in Beijing today.
Muradzikwa indicated to his host that Zimbabwe is in the process of reconstructing its economy as well as the broadcasting facilities, and said plans are at an advanced stage to open a new radio station that will tell the story of Zimbabwe to the world in a true manner. He also indicated that his country is keen to draw lessons from the Chinese experience on how to improve broadcasting in order to better serve the people.
Zhang Changming said China is willing to offer exchange programmes and to host broadcasting personnel from Zimbabwe in order to assist in the improvement of broadcasting standards for Zimbabwe. Later at a dinner hosted for the Zimbabwe delegation by CCTV, the president offered training facilities for ZBH staff in the technical, production and journalism areas.
(Source: New Ziana/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)