Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe’s first independent television channel, 3Ktv, will be launched today giving local viewers a choice over what to watch on their screens.

The family viewing-oriented television station which will be formally introduced to the market today, ahead of the new channel going live on Monday on both MultiChoice’s DStv and digital terrestrial television (DTT) platforms.

Posting on his Twitter handle, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary, Nick Mangwana said the development is a clear testimony on the new dispensation’s democratic sincerity.

“Today is a big day in the Zimbabwe Media Space, specifically broadcasting. Zimbabwe’s first private television channel is being launched today. This coming on the heels of the coming on air of community radio stations is a vindication of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s democratic sincerity,” he said.

The new television station will start live programming at 6am on February 28, broadcasting 24 hours, seven days a week from its brand new studios in Harare.

On DStv, 3Ktv will be available on Channel 293, and will be accessible to all bouquets offered by Africa’s leading entertainment company, from Premium through to Lite.

3Ktv’s programming will include local drama, reality shows, news, sports and documentaries.

Speaking last month, 3Ktv’s general manager, Emmanuel Nyamayedenga said there was an enormous appetite for excellent, independent and locally-produced television content in Zimbabwe.

Nyamayedenga revealed that 3ktv  will offer unmatchable content on and about Zimbabwe, including quality home grown entertainment, current affairs programmes and absorbing documentaries, all tailored to the rich history, cultural diversity and socio-economic circumstances of Zimbabweans.

The Government of Zimbabwe in 2020 introduced community radio stations which are expected to go a long way in promoting access to information by Zimbabweans including marginalised and underrepresented communities.