Local TV content required for Zimbabwe’s digital drive


Details

Rebecca Hawkes

| 08 January 2016




Zimbabwe’s Government has urged content producers to ensure the Southern African country has enough shows to broadcast when it rolls out digital terrestrial TV (DTT) services later this year.


The country’s initial DTT service is expected in March, following the installation of digital transmission infrastructure, according to The Herald.

Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Thokozile Mathuthu said that 12 high definition (HD) TV channels would be set up as a result of DTT roll-out. Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation will run six of the new HD channels, while private broadcasters will operate the remaining six.

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, George Charamba, said the government has committed US$125million to the roll-out of digital terrestrial television in Zimbabwe.

Once digital migration is complete, viewers will be charged between US$3 and US$5 access fee per month to watch digital channels, with fees paid through Transmedia, he added.