Radio days

By Tshepo Tshabalala

In a world where fast internet connection has become a right in many European countries, Africa is still lagging behind as many on the continent can only dream of even accessing broadband connectivity. Many Africans are however increasingly using their mobile phones for various tasks beyond sending a text, making and receiving phone calls. Africans are now using cell phones to access the internet and also listen to the radio.

There are countless educational possibilities radio and mobile are introducing to the radio platform and these are evident in countries like Tanzania and Ghana where there are communities with high illiteracy rates. As many cannot read in these parts and those who can experiencing a lack of reading material mobile phones end up taking over as radio is a cheap way of getting information. Accessing the internet on phones is also cheaper than buying books, newspapers, magazines or even visiting internet cafes.

Recently a diverse group ranging from academics; radio professionals; community, commercial and public radio personnes; managers; producers and many others met for Joburg Radio Days in South Africa to talk about a medium that is among the oldest but retains enormous influence and reach. They were discussing and dissecting its opportunities and challenges and focused on broadcasting challenges affecting the African continent

Broadcasting reform in Zimbabwe was one of the major topics covered during panel discussions. What came up is that there are still major challenges in Zimbabwe that come with the struggle for democracy in that country but the ongoing process of licensing new commercial radio stations offer a glimmer of hope towards opening up media freedom. Analysts are optimistic that the new broadcasters that will be licensed could be the first step towards broadcasting reform in the country.

A panel discussion on the state of community radio in Zimbabwe and its prospects for the future was one of the topics deliberated by the speakers at this year's conference. The three speakers during this session were Ambassador of the Zimbabwe media commission - Chris Mutsvangwa, Henry Masuku who is a representative of community radio network Zarcus and editor in one of eight community radio projects in Zimbabwe, Zenzele Ndebele.

Masuku opened the discussion lucidly highlighting the need of community radio stations in the country saying Zimbabweans need a platform to talk about their needs and concerns instead of listening to political news only. He further said the creation of more community stations will promote diverse beliefs and encourage people to respect each other's views and opinions.

"If government can put people first, they will have put development and unity first because at the moment, only dominant tribes and culture are given a platform to speak."
His concerns about the shortage of community radio stations come as the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has signaled a possibility of two commercial radio licenses without saying anything about community radio.

Ndebele echoed many of Masuku's sentiments adding that community stations need to broadcast alternative information that state broadcasters won't. He believes that one cannot fully exercise their vote if there is a limit to access of information.

Ambassador Mutsvangwa believes frequencies are limited and need a regulatory authority to handle licensing of community stations so that licenses are given to the right people. He says that if it were up to him, the issue of licensing would have been solved earlier.

While it's clear that radio still plays a major role in giving Africans access to information, what became apparent at the conference is that there are still struggles to find diverse voices on the African continent as it is government structures that issue licenses. Despite this many radio stations in Africa continue to do their bit to foster unity beyond ethnic and racial lines.

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