Azam TV, a Pan-African satellite television service provider, has been licensed by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) and is scheduled to start broadcasting before the end of the year. The Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN) will also be part of the new service provider’s offering.
Multichoice’s DStv is currently Zimbabwe’s only satellite television service. Mr Kedanathrao Bedare, Azam Media’s chief financial officer, told BMA Sources that the company plans to launch before Christmas.
According to Bedare, “Azam TV is in the process of finalising their operational plan and structure. The pay-tv provider has done this in other countries, so setting up will not be too complicated. Only once the company has done setting up will they determine the bouquet prices.”
Azam TV is already accessible in Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Kenya, and Rwanda. “According to regulations, the operator will carry the national broadcasters and about two more local channels.” The company also wants to initiate talks with Zimpapers Television Network to explore how they could collaborate.”
Its bouquets include channels for sports, entertainment, news, music, and religion. Acting Chief Executive Officer of BAZ, Engineer Mathias Chakanyuka, stated, “We open applications of this sort when the year starts.” After that, we formally advertise for people to apply for licenses. Satellite television services do not require a limited spectrum resource; thus, we can have a large number of them. The market is the only thing we look at as regulators. Therefore, people should be able to have a variety of options to choose from,” Chakanyuka concluded.
