Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. By Felix Matasva – GREAT Zimbabwe University (GZU) campus radio station in Masvingo has called for an increase in the area covered by its network, which is currently pegged at a five-km radius.
GZU campus radio, made history after being the first station in Zimbabwe, run by a higher learning institution, to be granted a broadcasting operating license.
The station has the capacity to cater to stakeholders from different sectors, including tourism, agriculture, and local authorities in Masvingo province.
The province is the largest producer of sugarcane while the Great Zimbabwe Monuments and a number of wildlife parks offer a lot of potential for the tourism sector.
Speaking during a parliamentary portfolio committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services stakeholder workshop on the proposed Media and Practitioners Bill held recently in Mutare, the GZU campus radio director, Golden Maunganidze appealed to Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa to assist the university-run-station in reviewing the distance covered by its network.
Maunganidze said the gazetted five-km radius was limited as the station seeks to reach out to various stakeholders in different parts of the country.
“As someone who presides over the campus radio station, I am appealing for a coverage increase in terms of radius. Our coverage, which is pegged at a five-kilometre radius, is too short,” he said.
“Considering that we may target different stakeholders dotted around the country, we are requesting for a review of our radius from 5 km to 100 km or more.”
However, Mutsvangwa referred Maunganidze to the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ), acting chief executive Matthias Chakanyuka saying it was a technical issue.
Chakanyuka, in turn, urged the GZU campus radio station to engage with BAZ and deliberate on how its coverage can be increased.
“Campus radio initiative was aimed at equipping media students with practical skills and knowledge. However, we have discovered that areas which surround campuses are also benefiting. It is an area, you can lobby for so we can determine the right radius which suits your needs,” said Chakanyuka.
“There are a number of local commercial radio stations we have helped along those lines. For instance, Diamond FM used to cover Mutare only, but thanks to engagement their coverage was reviewed.
“Diamond FM complained that it does not make sense to be limited to a 40-km-radius, saying broadcasting is a game of numbers. We sat down and checked if it was technically feasible. Right now Diamond FM is covering areas like Nyanga and Chimanimani. It is something that can be implemented hence we must caucus and find a lasting solution to your plea.”
BAZ has also granted broadcasting licenses University of Science and Technology, Lupane State University, Midlands State University, University of Zimbabwe, and Harare Polytechnic College.
