HARARE - Zimbabwes sole broadcaster is operating with a single editing machine, a desperate situation that has resulted in the endless broadcasting of multiple re-runs and delays in the broadcasting of news. The single editing machine is used for news production, adverts editing and also for television productions. News is often delayed and producers claim that their productions are botched. We sometimes leave the newsroom and sometimes we edit on camera, said a reporter with ZBC.
Some independent producers have taken their productions off-air while submissions for new episodes gather dust queuing to be edited. As a result, repeats are the order of the day, I have taken off my productions otherwise people may end up blaming me for poor production, when it is actually ZTV that is killing our work, said a producer who cannot be named.
I understand why people no longer watch the ZTV it is just full of repeats. The corporation also has not paid for the productions, he added.
Musicians are also not getting their royalties. They are not paying us anything, said a musician who cannot be named otherwise his music would be taken off air.
Advertisers have deserted the national broadcaster because of its programmes that are laden with Zanu (PF) propaganda. The cash-strapped broadcaster is now paying its employees from radio and TV licenses that are now demanded at roadblocks.
The cell phone of ZBC boss Happison Muchechetere, a war veteran who continues with his biased approach against the MDC despite the formation of the GNU, was unanswered.
Post published in: World News