The ManicaPost
Civic and business leaders in Manicaland have hailed the establishment of Zimpapers’ Diamond FM as a welcome development that has helped with the dissemination of vital business and community development information.
The Mayor of Mutare Councillor Tatenda Nhamarare said the advent of Diamond FM, which was officially launched on May 13, 2016 by the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr Chris Mushohwe, has given various departments and development stakeholders in the city a platform to communicate programmes and bring awareness to pertinent issues.
Councillor Nhamarare said: “The coming of Diamond FM to Mutare was a very welcome development; they have enabled us and other stakeholders to communicate vital information to the public efficiently and effectively.”
The Mayor also hailed Zimpapers for demonstrating corporate social responsibility through the construction of a market for vendors in the Central Business District.
“Council is also very appreciative of the gesture of corporate social responsibility demonstrated by Zimpapers as signified by the construction of a market for vendors adjacent to the Manica Post building.
“This is a very welcome development. As you may be aware, the informal sector is now the major employer in the country and also an important revenue source for residents of the city.
“One hopes that other corporates will emulate Zimpapers and contribute to the lifting of the livelihoods of our residents,” said Councillor Nhamarare.
The President of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industry in Manicaland, Mr Richard Chivandire weighed in saying the coming on board of Diamond FM has given business greater and easier access to markets through the broadcast media.
“Definitely the coming of Diamond FM has been good for business in Manicaland; it gives us a great way to reach our customers with information on goods and services.
“What’s more, the station is Manicaland’s own and it is simply a wonderful thing.
“We really needed something like this,” said Mr Chivandire.
Diamond FM which is the Zimpapers Group’s second radio station, has seen phenomenal growth in its first year of broadcasting with surveys indicating that it commands 97 percent listenership in Mutare and 9 perfect nationally, which is higher than some long established national broadcasters.
The station which broadcasts from the Manica Post building and has created employment for locals as all the presenters were hired from Manicaland, has endeared itself to Manicaland publics through the packaging of shows in local dialects as well as its “radio without boundaries” drive, which has seen it broadcast from various locations across Manicaland.
Diamond FM is celebrating its 1st anniversary at the Manicaland Motoring club tomorrow, which will see listeners being entertained by performing artistes and getting the opportunity to be on live radio.
