The Sunday Mail
Prince Mushawevato and Garikai Mazara
LIKE a gem, Diamond FM’s lustre is capturing the attention of many across Manicaland.
Zimpapers’ Mutare-based commercial station – birthed on November 4, 2015 – is steadily making an impact not only in the Manicaland province but also around the country and outside its borders.
Through live streaming, anyone outside Diamond FM’s terrestrial reach but with Internet connectivity can tune in to the station for free.
The station is available on 103.8FM in Manicaland.
Diamond FM is Zimpapers’ second commercial radio station after the hugely popular Star FM.
Beginning with a 16-hour presenter-based broadcast shift stretching from 6am to 10pm, the station has since expanded its broadcasting hours to 24 on a daily basis.
And the development comes as sweet news to residents of Mutare and surrounding areas.
The station brings with it a mutual benefit to all stakeholders ranging from the general public, artistes and the business players.
They now have a broadcasting tool that is exclusively dedicated to Manicaland interests.
Just last week, Blessing Shumba’s album launch was broadcast live on the station.
Station manager Leander “Lee-Kay” Kandiero noted the impact they had made in the few months of operation as encouraging.
He said with a team of 13 vibrant and dedicated presenters/producers and two engineers, they were destined for greater heights.
Most presenters were recruited from Mutare.
“The response from the listeners and advertisers is amazing. In fact, our prospects look bright. You can tell we have a connection with the local people and the community is happy with the product.
“We hope to make it their preferred station ahead of any other. We have also managed to capture interest of people in the Diaspora and other parts of Zimbabwe,” said Kandiero.
Programmes like “Darling Diamonds” for kids, “Campus Connect” for tertiary students, chat shows and faith-based segments mean the station meets the tastes of a diverse audience.
“Right now we have a 50/50 balance in terms of content but our intention is to have a bias towards local artistes and activities and we are not apologetic on that one.
“We expect Manicaland to have Diamond FM as their first station of choice and indications are that it is possible,” said Kandiero. “Programming should mirror the wishes and aspirations of the people of Mutare and surrounding areas.”
A Mutare resident and arts devotee, Henry Tsopotsa, believes Diamond FM is the answer to their predicament.
“Often people treasure artistes from Harare ahead of their local stars. But I’m sure this station is going to go a long way in promoting locals through giving them the much needed exposure.
“The more they feature on radio, the more they will be respected in the local community.
“Also it will be easier to breakthrough in other parts of the country or the world since the station is attracting a much wider audience,” said Tsopotsa.
Already, the station has state-of-the-art equipment and additional tools will be brought in to guarantee quality broadcasting.
Zimpapers has had a presence in Manicaland for over a century through its weekly newspaper The Manica Post.
Diamond FM is meant to further promote socio-economic growth in Mutare through broadcasting content that promotes local cultures as well fostering investment.
