HISTORY was made last night when independent television channel,3Ktv, became the first private station to be launched since the era of Southern Rhodesia.
This comes as the new television station begins broadcasting on Monday on both MultiChoice’s DStv and digital terrestrial television (DTT) platforms.
The station will be broadcasting 24 hours, seven days a week from its brand new studios in Harare.
Speaking at the launch of 3Ktv station in the capital last night, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, said the launch of 3Ktv marked the beginning of a new era in the sector.
“Today’s event… signifies the amount of work that my ministry has put in, working with media stakeholders, to open up the airwaves. The progress that we have made in licensing of broadcasting platforms is testimony of the overall commitment of the Second Republic to ensure that Zimbabwe owns not only its development agenda, but also tells its story — its struggles and triumphs,” Mutsvangwa said.
“The legal and regulatory reforms that the government instituted in the media sector are not cosmetic, but reflect our total commitment to promote the growth of the sector. My ministry looks forward with great anticipation to your content providing excellent choices to the people of Zimbabwe.”
She said broadcasting can play a big role in transforming the film industry, where Zimbabwe would be able to showcase and harness its rich cultural and traditional heritage and reinvigorate the creative industry.
“We see 3Ktv playing a significant role in this regard.
“As we celebrate this milestone achievement by Jester Media Group, we must remain alive to the fact that broadcasting media, which you have become part of, plays a big role in shaping public opinion, promoting development, democracy and good governance, facilitating nation building and advancing policies that promote high quality of life for all Zimbabweans.
“The role of broadcasting media that includes TV is key in national development and achieving Vision 2030, which is premised on advancing the political, economic and social wellbeing of the people. As the government continues to license more players in the broadcasting sphere, we remain optimistic that 3Ktv and others so granted licences will perform their roles with credibility, objectivity and professionalism,” Mutsvangwa said further.
She said the importance of the private media could not be overemphasised “as studies show that a vibrant, non-partisan and independent media can aid the development of the nation”.
Mutsvangwa said the Second Republic “fully” embraces the private media and the launch of 3Ktv exemplified the thrust of the government “to have more and diverse voices in the broadcasting sector and ensure that access and freedom of information is enhanced”.
“The launch also makes 3Ktv the first of the six newly-licensed TV stations to go live and indeed this is a milestone given the challenges associated with launching a TV station.
“As government we continue to work towards expediting media reforms and further opening up of the airwaves and it is now up to you as the players to run with it in a sustainable and responsible manner that promotes national development. We expect to watch exciting programmes on your TV: talk shows, sports, entertainment, documentaries and content that is in sync with the National Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030,” the minister said.
“It is my fervent hope that the launch of 3Ktv is the beginning of a flurry of activity to follow in the private television sector.”
Speaking at the same event, 3Ktv general manager, Emmanuel Nyamayedenga, said the new television station would utilise its broadcasting opportunity optimally for the benefit of the country, all Zimbabweans, viewers, advertisers and business partners.
“And so it is that we gather in this room tonight to launch this exciting new project that will not just change the character of our Group, but also the crucial media landscape of our beloved country.
“From this coming Monday morning, at 6am to be precise — when 3Ktv goes live — Zimbabwean television viewers and advertisers will have a choice as to which local channel to tune into and utilise as a marketing vehicle.
“On that day, at that hour as well, Jester Media Services will have gone a long way to fulfilling its cherished vision to become a sustainable multimedia corporation.
“But as one of our founders, Dr Esther Goko, always reminds us, our burning ambition for more Group progression remains undiminished, notwithstanding our gratifying entry into television.
“Indeed, we hope and pray that one day soon, we will gather here again to toast to a radio station launch that will have become part of our portfolio of media assets!” Nyamayedenga said.
“On that note ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to express our sincere gratitude to the government and the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (Baz), for opening up the airwaves further and running a credible bidding process for the six licences for commercial television stations that were awarded in November 2020.
“Similarly, we are most grateful to MultiChoice Africa for partnering with us on satellite television, which ensures that our broadcasts will reach hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans on day one.
“Thank you to you Joe and your colleagues for believing in us and seeing the gaping opportunity for excellent local programming on DStv, to our mutual benefit.
“A million thank yous to everyone in our Group as well — from the general staff, to the management corps and the directors — for working so hard as a team, which ensured that this dream became a reality.
“May your infectious enterprise and togetherness long endure. And may our Group continue to grow from strength to strength,” Nyamayedenga said further.
“Our commitment to all Zimbabweans in the country and the Diaspora is that 3Ktv will make you proud through its riveting and independent programming that will showcase the very best of our beautiful country, as the station’s motto goes.
“We will offer unmatchable content on and about Zimbabwe, with the majority of it being quality, home-grown entertainment, current affairs programming and absorbing documentaries — all tailored to the rich history, cultural diversity and socio-economic circumstances of our people.
“Indeed, our audiences and their experiences will be at the centre of all our broadcasts, as we deliver innovative and distinctive content that is non-partisan — as per our winning Group formula and traditions,” he added.
On her part, 3Ktv head of programming, Christina Nyirenda-Chimuka, promised riveting content to viewers.
“We believe that our new baby will be a game-changer in terms of the production, marketing and consumption of local TV products.
“Much of our content will come from local independent producers. We have, for example, Shem Zemura — a multi-award-winning producer who has produced popular films like Kushata KweMoyo and Muzita Rababa, amongst others.
“Shem will produce Tangled for 3Ktv, a telenovela that will air four times a week.
“Nakai Beauty Tsuro, another multi-award winner, will produce I Can Act, a reality show where the winning contestants will then act in a new series in Season Two on 3Ktv,” said Nyirenda-Chimuka.
“We also have Shaun Chitsiga, who is producing a reality game show: Zim’s Best Barber — focusing on bringing the barber profession to the limelight.
“He is also producing Sustain, a documentary on Sustainable Development Goals, as well as Fans of Zimbabwe, a show focusing on sports fans, and The NightCap — a lifestyle show.
“We also have Dorothy Chidzao, yet another award-winner, who is producing a drama titled Mawombera, which looks at family matters and showcases both rural and city life. Dorothy is well known for producing Gringo, a Zimbabwean sitcom.
“In addition, we also have Lenni of Ya!Sibo Media, another Bulawayo-based multi-award-winner. Ya-Sibo is producing Foodie Lovers, a dating show and Our Weekender, which showcases tourist spots in and around the Bulawayo area,” Nyirenda-Chimuka also said.
“Over and above this, our in-house productions will showcase our beautiful and diverse cultures.
“As 3Ktv, we also believe in contributing to the growth of the local media industry and the nurturing of young talent.
“In this regard, we were at the Varsity Film Festival at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) last December, which had thousands of students from seven universities.
“The Festival was officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and we will be taking some content from them in our next season.
“In addition, we are also offering internships through our Graduate Training programme within our group, which consists of the iconic Daily News, the country’s number one business newspaper, The Financial Gazette, and 3Ktv, which we are launching today,” she said further.
“Through our Corporate Social Responsibility, we plan to give back to the community as much as we can, and to work with ZIFTESSA by sourcing equipment for them. This will be done in conjunction with our partners at MultiChoice.
“This crucial partnership with MultiChoice has already started to yield multiple win-win results, including for the media and film Industry.
“For example, there have been a number of Masterclasses hosted by Multichoice, which aim to upskill creatives in the industry. 3Ktv will continue to support these important workshops.
Finally, and that score ladies and gentlemen, please tune in to 3Ktv as from 6am on Monday morning and enjoy The Best of Zimbabwe on local television!” added Nyirenda-Chimuka.
This comes as Baz licensed six new television stations in November 2020, including 3Ktv — thereby ending six decades of monopoly by State broadcaster ZBC TV.
On DStv, 3Ktv will be available on Channel 293, and accessible to all bouquets offered by Africa’s leading entertainment company — from Premium through to Lite.
Its parent company, Jester Media Services, has more than 30 years in the media industry, having started as a small publisher of magazines. It has grown significantly over the past 10 years to become a major multi-media corporation.