Govt says to open airwaves to foreigners 

Source: Govt says to open airwaves to foreigners -Newsday Zimbabwe

THE government is considering opening airwaves to foreign players and could amend the Broadcasting Services Act to facilitate their entrance.

In the past, the government restricted foreign investment in the local media sector.

The remarks were made by Information and Broadcasting services deputy minister Kindness Paradza during the launch of KeYona TV station in Bulawayo on Saturday.

Paradza said the media landscape would never be same as the more foreign investment would be allowed in the broadcasting sector.

“We have decided to amend the Broadcasting Services Act. It prevents investment in the broadcasting services sector. In terms of those who wish to start up provincial radio stations we are going to issue them and for those who wish to start community television stations we will give them,” Paradza said.

He said government planned to allow foreign investors to hold 40% as well as 40% directorship of media companies.

“Out of the 14 community radio stations given licences half of them are from Matabeleland. From 2018 we are in a marathon to catch up with those countries with many radio and television stations,” he said.

KeYona TV chief executive officer, Qhubani Moyo said the station would go beyond borders using international platforms like AZAM.

“We desire that various products that come from Bulawayo are consumed beyond touch,” Moyo said.