Ousted Ntabazinduna traditional leader, Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni has said that the government should open up more media space through licensing of new radio and television stations that would help cater for all the country’s 16 official languages.
He makes these remarks when the government has through Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe has offered licences to 6 TV stations, 10 Community radio stations and 19 campus radio stations. In a statement, Ndiweni said:
We are advancing the notion of a liberised media within the country with respect to the digital airwaves. This means that we can carry hundreds of television channels and radio stations throughout the nation.
We are asking for many new stations that would be allowed to speak only their native language on radios and television. Our country is a nation of nations, everyone must be allowed to breathe fresh air in this country of ours.
His remarks also come when there are strong calls for the country to implement media reforms which are said to be essential in enhancing democracy.
Zimbabwe has one television station and several radio stations that have often been criticised of being partisan and they are broadcasting predominantly in English, Ndebele and Shona.
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