Patience Muchemwa
Senior Reporter
In a bid to revitalize Zimbabwe's state media, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere has sounded the alarm for a complete overhaul of the sector. The minister's clarion call comes as the country's state media grapples with dwindling circulation numbers and the rise of digital media.
Muswere's concerns are rooted in the stark reality that print media circulation has plummeted from over 200,000 to less than 10,000 daily copies. This decline is largely attributed to the proliferation of digital media and online platforms, which have become the preferred choice for Zimbabweans seeking news and information.
To arrest this decline, Muswere has emphasized the need for state media to adapt to the digital age. This entails incorporating digital tools and strategies to enhance their online presence and competitiveness. The minister has also announced plans to conduct media training sessions in digital media, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to equip media practitioners with the skills to report effectively in the digital era.
Muswere has underscored the importance of digital sovereignty, stressing the need for state media to work collaboratively with other media houses to promote Zimbabwe's interests and values. This vision is encapsulated in the ZimDigital project, which aims to achieve 100% media sovereignty within the next two years.
The project, which received funding in the last quarter of 2024, seeks to catapult television coverage from 38% to 100% and accelerate digital transformation in radio broadcasting from 62% to 100%. Muswere is optimistic that the project will be completed within the first quarter of 2025, paving the way for a formal launch by the President.
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