Satellite television has taken Zimbabwe by storm and anybody who wants to use national television to send a message is seemingly doing so at his or her own risk as viewership has dwindled drastically.
The government is aware of this, minister of information Sikhanyiso Ndlovu admitted recently. Surprisingly, he also admitted that people had a right to choose to watch foreign stations.
“I’m sick and tired of having to legislate for this and that. In this regard, we respect the people’s choice. If ZBC is not giving them good programmes people are free to choose stations they want to watch. The onus is on ZBC to improve programming. If you give people good programmes they will stick with you. But if you don’t they will seek entertainment elsewhere,” said the minister.
Thousands of households in Zimbabwe have in recent years ditched ZBCTV and are hooked onto the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABCTV) stations via satellite, which they watch for free.
Those with extra resources have turned to DStv, which offers a wide range of international stations.
Over the years, Zanu (PF) has been using, or abusing, the national broadcaster during election time, turning main news bulletins into party propaganda and airing other programmes that promote it ahead of elections.
Very little voice has been given to opposition parties, and when they do get some airtime, it is usually publicity that puts them in bad light. But with the growing popularity of satellite television, opposition parties will not be duly worried as they enjoy favourable coverage from international TV stations.
The shortage of newsprint, which has seen a marked reduction in print run of state-owned publications, has worsened the situation for Zanu (PF).
Ndlovu conceded that the increasing number of Zimbabweans watching international stations was a concern to the ruling party. To counteract this, he said the government was working hand-in-hand with SABC.
“We are building up a relationship with them (SABC). We are talking with them and already we have some of our (ZBC) programmes appearing on South African stations like Channel O,” said Ndlovu, who admitted that he also watched satellite television.
Zimbabwe is part of the global village. I now have satellite television, which I didn’t have before I became a minister. I need to keep up with international events,” he said.
to viewers like James Khumalo from Bulawayo, the reason they deserted ZBCTV is simple: Programming on the station is mediocre while the alternative is first class.
“ZTV does not take its viewers seriously. They show old movies and keep repeating programmes, especially locally produced ones and the news is all about Mugabe, Mugabe, Zanu (PF), Zanu (PF). We can’t have that. There is also a serious lack of entertainment. I only tune into ZTV when there is soccer,” said Khumalo.
At the moment on average a complete satellite kit including installation costs around Z$70 million, which is about R540, if changed on the popular black market.
Post published in: News