14 stations wait for radio licence

Last week the world marked World Radio Day. But for community radio stations in Zimbabwe there was nothing to celebrate – as some have been waiting more than 10 years for an operating licence.

According to UNESCO radio remains the medium that reaches the widest audience worldwide. It plays an important part as a low-cost medium specifically suited to reaching remote communities and vulnerable people.

Community Radio Harare programming manager, Givemore Chipere, accused the government of continuing to ignore community stations. “It seems there is a deliberate effort to frustrate community radio stations. What people want are their own radio stations talking about their issues and giving them relevant information,” he said.

“We are very sceptical about Government intentions. We formed our station in 2003 and we have been waiting for a licence for over 13 years,” added Chipere.

Kudzai Kwangwari, programme manager for the Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations, said there was a massive deficit in information dissemination caused by lack of political will.

“Community radio stations are a critical tool for development. There are very useful for disseminating information on how people can respond to things such as natural disasters,” he added. There are 14 community stations waiting for licences.

Post published in: News

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