Zambezi Magic rocks . . . though Zim still to claim its space Part of the cast of “Generations”, one of the offerings the new DStv channel Zambezi Magic
Part of the cast of “Generations”, one of the offerings  the new DStv channel Zambezi Magic

Part of the cast of “Generations”, one of the offerings the new DStv channel Zambezi Magic

Silver Screen with Tafadzwa Zimoyo

Television viewing is going through an evolution that is ushering in a revolution aimed at giving viewers value for their money.

Wherever you go today, be it in India, Australia, Dubai, the United Kingdom, the United States and even back home here in Africa, the television broadcasting industry is undergoing a massive overhaul inasfar as its programming and content is concerned and the main driver behind this development is the desire by the service providers to keep on offering only the best to their clients.

No broadcaster wants to keep on stuck in the Stone Age while other players move with the times and invest their time and resources in the best technology and best programmes that ensure that they keep afloat, buoyant and relevant in the game that has over the years seeing multitudes of other competitive players coming on board offering their own unique services to the normally fickle viewers who don’t care a dime about shifting their allegiance to what they deem as palatable to their viewing tastes.

After all, the viewers will be paying a fee to keep on beamed in their homes, so why should they waste their time and effort in watching channels that they know will offer them mediocre and insipid programmes?

Coming back home, our own national television broadcaster deserves appreciation for the effort they have been making in bringing quality programming and transmission to their faithful followers.

Even those who had lost confidence in ZTV have had second thoughts, did a relook at the channel and they are not disappointed with the positive developments that have taken place at the station. Their programme line-up, starting from Sunday to Saturday, is not disappointing and one can actually stay glued to the screen owing to the new approach that ZTV has adopted.

While it is true that ZTV still has some hard work to do in order to match the standards reached by neighbours South Africa, it should be noted here that ZTV is on the right track and if compared to other broadcasters from other countries in the region, it can safely be said that we are at least there.

The fact that ZTV Channel 2 is also holding its own and complementing Channel 1 by broadcasting within an 80km radius outside of Harare and Bulawayo and operating on very high frequency band 3 (VHF) at 1999,25 megahertz ensures that the channel also reaches some households without any challenges, thus keeping them tuned in to the best programming.

Viewing ZTV on Saturday is always a thrill since its programming, which starts at around 5:55-06:00am opens with the national anthem, followed by programmes like the “International 700 Club”, “Aerofit”, Weekend Morning News”, “Spoken Word” and “Muvhango Omnibus”, among others, which are ideal for early viewing especially on a weekend.

Lunchtime News and “Musical Request” characterise midday viewing before going into the prime-time viewing and then late viewing where the likes of the “Live Lotto Draw”, “Positive Talk”, “Action Zone” and “Trans-world Sport” are in the offing.

This is just a tip of the iceberg of what is is store at ZTV during the weekends and, of course, weekdays.

Meanwhile, DStv’s newly unveiled channel, Zambezi Magic, has started on a magical note since its inception last week.

I was one of the invited guests at the live beam launch where the house was full of actors, presenters, producers and film-makers. It’s true we have a long way to go and we should learn. I think the good sound, quality and lighting is not an issue as we all aware and know. I rest my case on that for the producers and film-makers. “Owning a computer and camera doesn’t make you a good producer or editor. Learn the basics first,” said one film-maker at the launch.

Back to business, hot new shows and programmes kick-started the channel and viewers were left convinced that Zambezi Magic is indeed here to stay and has so far managed to plug that big hole that has been existing inasfar as provision of purely Southern African productions are concerned. .

The channel is open to DStv Premium, DStv Compact Plus, and DSTv Compact subscribers.

One TV buff, totally blown off her feet by the new channel, gushed:

“Before tuning in and enjoying the magic of DStv channel 160, here are some of the programmes that you must tune in for. Cooking with Siba, Mondays at 18:00 CAT.

“Start the week off with some great cooking tips from Siba Ntongana. Step into her kitchen and feel the heat with celebrity guests as Siba cooks up a storm.”

Our Perfect Wedding, Tuesdays at 18:30 CAT.

On Tuesdays, you are invited to perfect weddings. Join the bride and groom as they prepare to walk down the aisle to say “I Do” in front of family and friends. But first, there’s the checklist of dress, suit, décor and cake to make sure theirs is the perfect wedding..

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