Traditional media outlets under threat from migration to digital
Zimpapers boss Deketeke says there is migration to digital media, yet hundreds of students are enrolling in journalism schools, expecting to get employment from their newspapers and broadcasting stations some of which are facing closure
Harare – Traditional Media is under threat from the migration to digital media and some major players have pleaded with government for financial assistance.
Appearing before the Parliamentary, Portfolio Committee on Information, Media and Broadcasting services at the New Parliament building, Zimpapers chief executive Pikirayi Deketeke lamented over the threat of traditional media and appealed for financial assistance from government.
“There is migration to digital media, yet hundreds of students are enrolling in journalism schools, expecting to get employment from our newspapers and broadcasting stations, which is unlikely as most of the are beginning to close down,” he said.
ZBC acting chief executive Charles Munganasa shared the same sentiments and called on government to recapitalise the national broadcaster.
The shift towards digital media has disrupted the traditional media landscape, posing challenges to declining circulation, advertising revenue, and readership.
“There has been a change of viewer habits as people opt to stream rather than pay TV licences to ZBC whose content also leaves a lot to be desired.
” Stations like Power FM, Star FM etc are facing competition from podcasts, online music platforms, and digital audio options,” opined a Digital media expert.
He encouraged traditional media outlets to be innovative and evolve through coming up with ways to co-exist with digital media like adapting online publishing and digital editions.
Some traditional media outlets in South Africa have adapted streaming services and online video content to keep abreast with the game.
