ZimNow News Desk
The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has appointed Engineer Matthias Chakanyuka as its substantive Chief Executive Officer, ending his tenure in an acting capacity and ushering in a new leadership chapter at the country's broadcasting regulator.
Eng Chakanyuka, a broadcasting engineer with more than two decades at BAZ, said his priorities include expanding broadcasting services to underserved communities, licensing more community radio stations and preparing Zimbabwe's broadcasting sector for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). He also pledged to promote diversity in broadcasting while safeguarding Zimbabwe's cultural values and national identity.
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Before his appointment, Eng Chakanyuka served as Technical Director and Acting CEO, having joined BAZ in 2004 after working at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC). He has also represented Zimbabwe in technical forums under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), contributing to regional and global broadcasting planning initiatives.
Established under the Broadcasting Services Act, BAZ is Zimbabwe's independent broadcasting regulator. Its core mandate is to license and regulate radio and television broadcasters, manage broadcasting frequencies, monitor compliance with licence conditions and local content requirements, promote universal access to broadcasting services, and support the orderly development of the country's broadcasting sector. The authority also oversees signal distribution, encourages investment in broadcasting infrastructure and works to ensure that broadcasting services reflect Zimbabwe's cultural identity while embracing technological innovation.
In recent years, BAZ has overseen the expansion of community radio stations, commercial television licensing and the country's digital migration programme. The authority is also expected to play a growing role in shaping policies around new technologies, including AI, as Zimbabwe's media landscape continues to evolve.
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