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THE Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Cde Christopher Mushohwe (centre) listens to Mr Matthias Chakanyuka (left) the Project Engineer from the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe explaining on the progress on the civil works at the Montrose radio side in preparation for the installation of digital equipment at ZBC Montrose Studio during the Minister’s tour yesterday, listening next to the Minister on the right is his Deputy Hon Sithokozile Mathuthu….

Danisa Masuku, Showbiz Correspondent
ZBCtv is on a mission to revive the almost defunct Montrose studios in Bulawayo.

TV audiences may have noticed a change in the news broadcast as there have been live crossovers to Bulawayo from Pockets Hill Studios in Harare with news from Bulawayo being given more prominence.

This, according to ZBC acting chief executive officer (CEO), Patrick Mavhura is a trial being conducted as part of their plan to revitalise the Montrose Studios in preparation for permanent broadcasts there.

“We’re currently running tests to ensure the signal there is good and the production team is ready for the launching of more bulletins from Montrose Studios,” said Mavhura.

New talent is being introduced from Bulawayo in the form of news presenters for Nhau/Indaba and producers as the station wants youths to breathe a fresh experience and life to the city’s studios.

“We’ve a number of presenters who’ve been undergoing training for the past two months. We’re technically waiting for a few things to fall in place before we roll full force,” he said.

“The test run that we’re doing with new presenters has shown that our young production team and news readers are ready to show the world they can deliver.”

Once concluded, Indaba will be wholly broadcast from Bulawayo in line with ZBC’s plan to decentralise studios.

“I’m happy to inform audiences that the broadcast of Indaba from Montrose studios is now at an advance stage. We’re working on a plan that will see news being broadcast from Montrose studios on a more permanent basis than the current crossovers.

“I can’t say the exact date as we’re still wrapping up a couple of things,” Mavhura said.

“The decentralisation of studios will ensure the multiplicity of voices on television as well as increase the diversity of ideas.

“As a national broadcaster, we’re committed to ensuring the effective use of Montrose Studios as well as utilisation of our experienced personnel in Bulawayo.”

The acting CEO revealed plans to construct studios which would have digital equipment as part of the station’s efforts to go digital.

“Our plans are in sync with digitalisation which is a national programme. We’re planning to construct digital studios at Montrose studios,” said Mavhura.