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Senior Reporter
The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe has completed examining licence applications for local commercial broadcasting services. In a statement yesterday, BAZ chief executive Mr Obert Muganyura said the authority received 21 applications from nine out of the 25 areas invited for.

“Out of the 21 applications, the authority has shortlisted 18 applicants who will be subjected to public hearings to determine their suitability to be licensed, as required in terms of the Broadcasting Services Act (Chapter 12:06),” he said.

Mr Muganyura said the authority would formally advise all the applicants of the outcome of this shortlist- ing process.
“Members of the public and short-listed applicants will be advised of the dates, time and venues of the public hearings through written and published notices.

“The authority intends to complete this licensing process by the end of July 2014,” Mr Muganyura said.
In January, Government said it targeted to have licensed at least 25 radio stations across the country within the two months should Treasury make disbursement of funds on time.

Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Secretary Mr George Charamba earlier this year told a parliamentary committee that BAZ was shortlisting applicants.

The breakdown of applications was as follows: Harare (six), Bulawayo (five), Lupane (two), Victoria Falls (two), and Gweru, Zvishavane, Bindura and Masvingo (one each).