The station at the heart of the nation-paved the way
For the longest time between 1965 and 1992, Radio Botswana formerly known as Radio Bechuanaland was the only radio station in the country. According to analysts this helped Batswana to firm their principles and identity as a nation, without the distraction of speaking or listening to ‘split-voices’ from many radio stations during the nation’s birthing state.
The force of radio as a mobile medium; its usefulness for public dialogue and entertainment; and its effectiveness as a less sophisticated technology that is easily accessible and adaptable in remote communities, have ensured that radio remains the most preferred and dominant medium of mass communication in Botswana.
The growing population, rising literacy levels among the people, and the new
industrial developments that took place immediately after Botswana’s independence in 1966 prompted for the need to expand the services at Radio Botswana and frequency. Radio Botswana has always been popular for its local music and traditional folklore. Programmes range from education, agriculture, current affairs, music, announcements, announcements of cabinet decisions and parliament debate sessions.
The voluminous programmes at the station at the heart of the nation, saw Government introduce its commercial radio station RB2 that appealed more to the younger generation. But 1997-2007 saw the operationalisation of three private radio stations namely GabzFM, YaronaFM and DumaFM which are all based in Gaborone and regulated by the Botswana Communications and Regulatory Authority through as ACT of Parliament.
However, when we talk about broadcast in the country it is the newsreaders that are anchored in our lives with their introduction “Se ke seromamowa sa Botswana se se gasang go tswa mono Gaborone, dikgang o di balelwa ke”…….. From Justice Gaolekwe who has been impersonated by a lot of people around the country to the current youngster Kediretswe Moremi who is making a mark at the station at the heart of the nation. #BW56#ProgressiveGrowth
