Sunday Mail Reporter
Star FM general manager Admire Taderera has expressed satisfaction with the way the latest addition to Zimbabwe’s airwaves navigated its first week on air.

The country’s first independent radio station officially went on air last Monday amid critical acclaim and Taderera, a veteran broadcaster, says the best is yet to come.
“The first week was magic and the response from the listeners was humbling,” he said.

“While the response has been positive, we would like to urge our listeners to constructively criticise us because all we are seeking to do is improve with every minute that we are on air.
“However, it’s also important to note that some of our presenters are still raw and are bound to make mistakes, so they should not be judged harshly.

“We are happy to have experienced broadcasters in our fold, who are helping to shape these youngsters, and we hope they will develop into some of the finest broadcasters in the land.” Taderera noted that they had managed to minimise errors by employing a rigorous training exercise for all presenters.
“We took close to a month in the trenches with these youngsters as part of measures aimed at curbing on-air incidents, and this seems to be paying off.

“Yes, they make mistakes here and there, but they are not so huge. After all, to err is human.
“Even I, myself, with my over 20 years’ experience, make mistakes.”
One of the rookie presenters, Owen “Ola 7” Madondo, said despite having been master of ceremonies at many events, going live on air was a totally “new and unbelievable experience”.

“It is an experience and every show brings with it its own lessons,” said Madondo.
Meanwhile, Star FM is inching towards tying up an agreement with one of the country’s biggest recording companies.

“We have approached Gramma Records with a win-win deal that will see us having rights to most of the music produced locally,” said Taderera.
“We have also approached other studios like Metro and they have been very forthcoming.”