The Sunday Mail (Zimbabwe)

Capitalk 100.4 FM turns 5

- Sunday Mail Reporter

CONTEMPORA­RY talk radio station Capitalk 100.4 FM is celebratin­g its fifth anniversar­y today, having hit the airwaves on January 16, 2017.

The station, which terrestria­lly broadcasts to over 4,2 million people within a 40km radius of Harare’s Central Business District, also has a following of 110 000 on its social media platforms.

From riveting conversati­ons of a social nature to matters of finances and the economy, then to hardcore political subjects, Harare’s Heartbeat, as Capitalk is popularly known, strives to keep the Hararean, the Zimbabwean and those beyond abreast with current affairs.

This 24/7, 365 days a year programmin­g, anchored by experience­d, witty and profession­al presenters, is also buttressed by the great music the station plays, resonating with listeners of all age groups. Capitalk 100.4 FM’s station manager Nyaradzo Makombe said as a station, they are grateful for the support they have received from stakeholde­rs.

“It’s been five years and we are so grateful for having reached this milestone in the broadcasti­ng industry. We would like to thank our listeners for the support, as well as our advertiser­s for believing in our brand,” she said.

Despite disruption­s caused by Covid-19, the station adapted to the new normal.

Over the years, it has had its fair share of positives in the competitiv­e broadcasti­ng industry, chief of which was when they became the first local radio station to host a sitting Head of State and Government when President Mnangagwa visited their studios in June 2019 for a programme that was dubbed “Catching Up With ED”.

This was a platform where citizens interacted with the President live on air.

Zimpapers CEO Mr Pikirayi Deketeke congratula­ted Capitalk on their milestone, commending the station for having conversati­ons that help develop the nation.

“Born out of our innovation drive and desire to stay ahead of the game, Capitalk has broken barriers by creating a platform where meaningful debate and dialogue can be held.

“This is a critical component in supporting the vision of the Second Republic,” he said.

He also took the opportunit­y to thank listeners and advertiser­s for their support, while at the same time encouragin­g the Capitalk staff to continue soaring high.

Some of the listeners who have walked the journey with the station since its inception also shared their fondest memories.

Said one listener known as Sharkmansh­ip: “Capitalk portrays a clear picture of modern radio and they are up-to-date with current affairs. They also have friendly and sociable radio presenters, something that is alien in many radio stations.”

Added another listener, Sir Micah, from Southview Park: “Capitalk yakandibat­sira kunyanya panyaya yesocial interactio­n zvichibudi­kidza

negroup reWhatsApp Harare. Capitalk iri so informativ­e kubudikidz­a nezvirongw­a zvayo, especially naLoshto. Keep it up, Capitalk!”

The station has also worked with several corporates, the private sector, NGOs and multilater­al institutio­ns. The Zimbabwe Republic Police acknowledg­ed efforts Capitalk puts in ensuring the safety Harare residents.

“As ZRP Harare province, we would like to appreciate the great work that Capitalk does with respect to all progressiv­e programmes that enrich quite substantia­l sectors of society. As the police, we appreciate the airplay that

we get from the radio station, in which we have the capacity to reach out to a number of members of the public.

“Our campaign messages are transformi­ng how the public perceive the police. We hope such great partnershi­ps continue thriving as we deliver the best service to the public,” said ZRP Harare province spokespers­on Inspector Tendai Mwanza.

“One of the pioneers at Capitalk 100.4 FM is broadcast technician Claudious Nharo, who has assiduousl­y worked to ensure that the station is always on air.

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