29 September 2007
Midlands
The Minister of Information and Publicity, Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, yesterday toured Voice of Zimbabwe studios in Gweru.
He was accompanied by Major Anywhere Mutambudzi, the acting director of national communications in the Ministry of Information and Publicity, and Mr Alfred Mandere, the chief executive officer of Transmedia.
He was met at the studios by the management and staff of Voice of Zimbabwe led by Happison Muchechetere.
Speaking in an interview after the tour, Maj Mutambudzi said a number of issues, both administrative and operational, came under scrutiny during the tour.
"The minister was quite impressed by the progress made so far and he encouraged the station to increase broadcasting hours from four to 12 hours.
"He also discussed aspects on how the public can access shortwave transmission. It was noted that most of the people do not have shortwave receivers and hence mooted the possibility of importing these into the country most likely from China," said Maj Mutambudzi.
They also discussed the possibility of having Voice of Zimbabwe being aired on frequency modulation.
Dr Ndlovu is said to have promised to address all administrative problems Voice of Zimbabwe was facing as soon as he got back to Harare.
"The minister was quite happy that the station is now on air and has a clear signal. They should now work to ensure that it operates 24 hours a day," Maj Mutambudzi said.
"There is now improved signal transmission following some repairs that were done at the studios last week."
Dr Ndlovu is said to have encouraged the management to publicise the station so that the public countrywide knows about it.
The minister said the station was to carry out weekly Government commentary on national topical issues. Voice of Zimbabwe is available on shortwave on 5 975 kilohertz in the 49-metre band during the day and on 4 828 kilohertz in the 60-metre band at night. It broadcasts from 6pm to 10pm and plays music throughout the remaining hours.
Dr Ndlovu urged the management to increase the number of programmes.
"This is a national station which churns out official news about Zimbabwe. It tells the Zimbabwean story, the African story, projecting the Pan-African view and a progressive worldview," said Maj Mutambudzi.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200709290095.html
(Source: Zacharias Liangas, Greece via Cumbre DX)