By Ashley Moyo
ZIMBABWE’s most watched television station on satellite, 3Ktv, has entered its seventh season — which is anchored by even more riveting viewings that include its award-winning news and current affairs programmes.
Speaking to the Daily News yesterday, 3Ktv’s head of programming, Lucia Kanyongo, said the channel’s varied audiences had much to look forward to in the new programme line-ups. “We have had a fantastic 18 months on air since we became the first licensed and independent television station to launch in the country, and things continue to get better for the channel.
“Our viewership figures and reach, both on satellite and terrestrially, as well as the station’s commercial sustainability, continue to outpace our initial projections. “This has seen 3Ktv — a mass medium that reaches a large audience — becoming an increasing and effective channel of choice for many businesses who wish to promote their products and services,” Kanyongo said.
“A lot of great programmes are on offer in this seventh season, including our revamped news and current affairs programmes, which received many accolades over the past year and during the recent national elections.
“Indeed, and in this regard, we will go to significant lengths in diligently reporting on and analysing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s new government programmes during this season.
“The seventh season will also see new magazine programmes airing, as well as a continuation of some of the slots that have cemented 3Ktv’s position as the most watched channel on satellite,” Kanyongo added.
This comes after the station recently added new lifestyle and magazine shows that include The Design Show — which focuses on architectural design, home decor and landscaping. It airs every Thursday at 7pm.
Another programme to look forward to is Match the Menu hosted by a celebrity designer going by the moniker “Minister of white linen”, who fuses the world of fashion with food. For children, the station has unleashed many new cartoon shows.
Kanyongo added that besides the new programmes, they had also brought back dramas such as Usendo — produced by award-winning producer Raisedon Baya — which airs every Monday at 7pm. Popular drama Bundu will also continue on its slot on Wednesdays, while Hakata is returning to the screen with Season 2 every Tuesday.
3Ktv was licensed in November 2020, after coming tops in a competitive and public bidding process. It went on air on February 28 last year, becoming the first licensed private commercial station to operate in the country since television was first introduced in the then Southern Rhodesia in November 1960.
3Ktv gives advertisers the ability to target specific audiences and demographics, which means that advertising materials can be tailored to reach the audiences that are most interested in the advertised products and services. Advertisements on 3Ktv can also be adjusted to fit different budgets, timeframes and advertising goals.
Advertisers can also choose the most appropriate time slots and running times. “Advertising on 3Ktv adds much credibility to products and services, by associating them with a deeply trusted outlet that is part of a large and diversified media group with a proven audience base and track record, and which offers business partners a 360 degree ability to reach all their targeted stakeholders,” Kanyongo concluded.
3Ktv is a sister venture to Zimbabwe’s iconic and number one business publication, The Financial Gazette, as well as the inimitable Daily News and the Daily News On Sunday.