SECTOR 2

the state-owned Manica Post sells for USD0.80. Other weeklies include the Daily
News on Sunday, Weekend Post and Newsday Weekender.
No new newspapers have come into print since the 2012 AMB exercise.
Television
Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), which is state-owned, is the only local
television service. Its reach is estimated at no more than 60%. It is also available
on the South African based digital satellite television platform (DSTV), where
Zimbabweans can access a slew of other channels from the region and beyond.
With on-going efforts towards broadcasting digital migration, it is envisaged that
more TV stations will open up, and/or that ZBC will be able to provide additional
offerings/channels, although it would need to overcome content generation
challenges.
Radio
With the highest number of transmitters across the country, the state-owned ZBC
has approximately 80% coverage, and was the only local broadcaster with four
stations until recently. Since the 2012 AMB, 8 more commercial radio stations
have been licenced. Of these, YA FM recently became operational, and Diamond
FM is currently conducting test runs.
Due to the restrictive nature of Broadcasting Services’ Act, over the year’s
alternative broadcasting channels operating on shortwave have emerged. These
stations – Radio Dialogue, CORAH FM, SW Radio Africa, Studio 7 and Radio
Voice of the People – utilise a single platform offered by ChannelZim, a satellite
television based radio platform operated from South Africa.
Some South African stations also have coverage in Zimbabwe.
New Media
There has been increased access to mobile and online news sources. Mobile
penetration is very high, and estimated at over 100%. Data, however, is expensive,
with a home data package running a cost of about USD25-30 per month. Mobile
data is considered more expensive than a general internet connection.
Popular online news sources include platforms such as New Zimbabwe, Nehanda
Radio and Bulawayo24.

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2015

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