By Tafadzwa Chigandiwa
The Broadcasting Authority Of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has today (Thursday) called for applications for broadcasting service licenses.
The applications required are for community and campus radio stations.
In a statement by Chief Executive Officer, O.Muganyura, BAZ published the fees that are being charged for both radio stations.
“In terms of Section 10 of the Broadcasting Service Act (Chapter 12:06), the Broadcasting Authority Of Zimbabwe hereby invites all applications for licenses to provide the following class of broadcasting; free to air community radio stations and campus radio stations.”
In addition, BAZ also put out the application fees, licensing fees, a number of licenses to be issued out and the period in which the applicants will be given to run their community radio stations, all these differ according to the type of community radio station an applicant wants.
“Free to air community radio broadcasting application fee RTGS$8 500.00, number of licenses 10, licensing fee RTGS$17 000.00 ( per annum) for a period of 10 years.
“Campus radio stations application fee RTGS$21 500.00, number of licenses to issued 19, licensing fee RTGS$42 500.00 for a period of 10 year and 5 kilometres radius.”
However, not all areas will be included as BAZ listed certain geographical areas of their coverage.
“Rukotso, Susamoya, Empandeni, Mapisa, Ndolwane, Plumtree, Hwange , Vic Falls, Chipinge, Chimanimami, Gwendigwe, Rusitu, Chibuwe, Chikombedzi, Malipati, Chiredzi, Rutenga, Mahenye.
“Manama, Legion, Binga, Kamativi, Kariba, Siabuwa, Mapengola, Beitbridge, Shashi Mbembesi, Shamva and Alaska,” reads the list.
The mother board also listed institutions that are permitted to have campus radio stations for students training and educational programmes in media and broadcasting studies.
“The University Of Zimbabwe, National University Of Science and Technology, Midlands State University, Bindura University, Great Zimbabwe University, Africa University, Solusi University, Lupane State University, Marondera State University, Gwanda State University.”
The Broadcasting Authority Of Zimbabwe pegged its deadline for Community Radio Broadcasting to a date not later than 20 March, however for Campus Radio Stations application forms are to be submitted at anytime.
Since the enactment of Broadcasting Services Act of (2001), Broadcasting Authority Of Zimbabwe had not invited prospective Community Radio and Campus Radio Broadcasters.
