Channel D is one of the six free-to-air television stations to be issued with a licence. In this interview, Morelife Mapeture (MM), the chief executive of the station, talks to Jonathan Mbiriyamveka (JM), the editor of Gem Nation News about the programming and that the station will go on air within the next 18 months. He, however, urged people not to compare Channel D to ZBCTV or any other station. Read on!
JM: Tell us what sort of content will you provide?
MM: The Channel Dzimbahwe Board is composed of patriotic Zimbabweans with a common vision of Ubuntu. These patriotic sons and daughters of Zimbabwe mainly local and a few in the diaspora have a common vision to take Zimbabwe to a new level in terms of information dissemination and entertainment befitting the modern world while underpinned by our historical successes as a nation rich in culture and the Ubuntu values entrenched through the nation’s historical and illustrious struggles and victories against colonial domination and imperialism.
JM: Tell us how Channel D hopes to transform TV space in Zimbabwe?
MM: Channel D will transform the television industry by offering programming that is relevant to the society through consistent consultation with the viewers on our programming.
JM: And there have been questions on the COO of Channel D tell us why you chose Happison Mucheterere?
MM: When searching for a Chief operating officer we were looking for an experienced broadcaster with an unprecedented record of Broadcasting and Happison Muchechetere has been in the industry since. He was from the shop floor to the top of the roof and I bet you no one has the record currently, we can take off his executive suit and send him in the field and he can still bring a great piece of reporting.
JM: Many critics argue that you are going to be another ZBCTV what’s your comment?
MM: People can’t say we will be like ZBC where have they seen us before, why can’t they wait to taste the pudding?
JM: Are you in any way an affiliate of Zanu PF as what is purported?
MM: On the issue of political affiliation, if you are Zimbabwean and you are not affiliated to any political party shows that you are not patriotic and clueless in terms of social and economic dynamics, so as far as ZANU PF membership is concerned some members are and some are opposition because we are in a democratic country where freedom of Association is respected.
JM: Who is on your employ besides Muchechetere and why did you hunt for ex-ZBCTV employees?
MM: We employed more guys from ZBC because currently that’s the only training ground for electronic media so we had to get the best.
JM: Does this mean you will be broadcasting on your on frequency?
MM: We are going to be allocated a frequency and we shall be a full bouquet, we will offer news, sports entertainment and documentaries.
We expect to be on air in 18 months’ time
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