South Africa’s largest radio station is to get some really stiff competition from challengers for a commercial licence, reports Suzy Bell
For the first time in almost four decades, the country’s biggest radio station is facing competition.
In Durban next week, Ukhozi FM’s domination of the huge Zulu-speaking market will be challenged in KwaZulu-Natal’s hearings for the province’s first commercial licence.
Six consortiums have snapped up the chance to make applications for the opportunity to start a new Zulu radio station.
The Independent Broadcasting Authority office confirmed this week that the applicants are, Igagasi Broadcasting, (Igagasi FM), New Millenium Radio Group (Horizon FM), Jardel Investments (Radio ZM), Durban Radio Initiative (Radio P4), Share Alike Investments (Classic FM), The Moribo Consortium (Kaya Thekweni FM).
Ukhozi’s station manager Welcome Nzimande is stoic. “We are not afraid of competition. We feel competition is lively and it’s something we have to live. with. “
Ukhozi FM in a number of guises has been broadcasting for 37 years. It began life as Radio Bantu, SABC radio’s offering to black listeners.
Over the years, it has mushroomed into the country’s biggest radio station attracting a daily audience of about six million.
It’s become a cash cow too and a lucrative source of advertising revenue.
“We have to be on our toes when people go for the same market. But the advertising cake is very big and we are optimistic we all will get our share.
“Our new vision for Khozi FM is that we are the pulse of Africa’s creative spirit. We are the forefront of networking with the international market.
For example, we’ve created links with Q- Radio under Quincy Jones in the States.”
In addition to the hearings for a new commercial licence, the mothballed and once highly popular Capital Radio is also up for grabs – only the Quima Investment consortium has bid for the station.
The authority’s hearings take place at Kings Park Cricket Stadium in Durban between October 30 and November 7.