lt has been three months since YA FM 91.8 started broadcasting. The station, made history by becoming the first regional commercial station to go on air, among the eight regional commercials stations which were licenced by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe in March, 2015. YA FM 91.8 went on air on the 28th of September 2015 and in the last three months has experienced both successes and setbacks.
In the first few weeks of operation, we were faced with many challenges especially on the technical side. The most documented challenge was when a troop of baboons took us off air, when they tampered with our transmission cables. However, we have since recorded many successes since the launch and going on air while others stations are yet to, is a sure sign of the commitment we have in serving the communities along the Great Dyke.
Our other success is that we have stuck to our pay off line, to be the pulse of the dyke. The response we have received so far from the communities along the great dyke and other surrounding areas has been overwhelming. We would like to thank our valued clientele and listeners of the station for the support rendered to us so far.
We have also managed to provide unique content to the mining communities. We are the only radio station in the country that is offering a platform to the mining community and we are indeed the pulse of the great dyke.
It is not a secret that the Zimbabwean economy is going through a difficult time and YA FM has not been spared. The first three months have really been challenging businesswise but we are hopeful that the coming months will offer better prospects for us and the market is already responding positively. While we must admit that we have not been able to fully met salary obligations we are happy to say that we have been able to pay something each month.
What makes us happy is that for the first time since 1980 some communities in the mining communities are able to tune to a radio station and listen to their favorite song. This is because there was no radio reception in some of the areas we are covering. This to us is a huge success that cannot be measured in financial terms.
We have lined up a few activities as we bid farewell to the year 2015. On the 30th of December, we will host a Pastor’s Wives Luncheon in partnership with Lions Club. We will close the year with the Yallo 2016 street bash, as we welcome the New Year in style.
In March 2016 we have the tour of the Great Dyke. One of our presenters will cycle for 550 Km along the great dyke.
We believe in the last three months we have built a firm foundation and we will build on it as we seek to provide an all round quality service to our clients and listeners.
We would like taking this opportunity to wish you a happy Festive season.
- Follow us on twitter : @yafmzim
- Listen to us live on : www.yafm.co.zw
Munyaradzi Hwengwere
YAFM CHAIRMAN
Cell :0772 869195
