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Beatrice Tonhodzayi in the studio

Tafadzwa Zimoyo : Arts Reporter

All is set for the launch of Zimpapers regional commercial radio station, Diamond FM, at Manica Post offices in Mutare today. The company was successfully granted radio license by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) late last year. Diamond FM broadcasts in the various Manyika dialects, leveraging on its newly recruited pool of local and fresh radio voices led by veteran broadcaster Leander Kandiero, who is the station manager.The launch of the station is covered live on Zimpapers’ various digital platforms, while live streaming of the event will be available on the Diamond FM website.

In an interview Zimpapers group public relations and cooperate affairs manager Beatrice Tonhodzayi said she was excited with the achievement.

“As Zimpapers we are so happy with the launch as this signifies growth in the media industry. Traditionally we were known for print but since we are living in a global community, there are a lot of platforms where people are sourcing news. After we launched Star FM, we have seen a lot of development and since Daimond FM is for Mutare, we are planning too to spread to other cities. To us this is a great move because radio and newspapers are the main sources of news. Soon we will be launching our first television project,” she said.

She said the station has a mobile application store for those who would want to access it on their mobile phones.

“The Diamond FM mobile app is available for download for android and iOS devices to allow listeners to tune into the station from anywhere in the country and across the globe,” she said.

Zimpapers chief executive officer Mr Pikirayi Deketeke earlier said the launch was in line with the company’s five-year plan to extend its dominance as a ‘content factory’, hence the launch was consistent with the vision.

“Diamond FM is our first regional commercial radio project, which is an addition to the national licence we have for Star FM, as we expand our footprint in the broadcasting arena,” said Mr Deketeke.

He said Mutare was Manicaland province’s economic hub and was viable.

The Zimpapers chief said setting up the station in Mutare was a strategic decision that took into account that the company already had an established presence through its Manica Post weekly publication.

“Diamond FM is a station for the people of Mutare, broadcasting within a 40km radius and it is 99percent staffed by people from Mutare. We are giving Mutare a voice, and advertisers an audience,” said Mr Deketeke, adding that the station had been well-received since it started broadcasting in November last year.

Mr Deketeke said the launch came at a time when the Manica Post premises were refurbished to accommodate both radio and newspaper operations.

“We want to feed our content through a variety of platforms, and accommodating both print and radio in the same space allows us to create an innovative and converged hub to serve the people of Mutare.

“Through its website and mobile app, the station will also be available digitally to audiences in the Diaspora, particularly people from Mutare.”