A reflection on one year of broadcasting

NATHANIEL MLAMBO AKA MAMBO MLAMBO
My journey as Bulletins Editor on the Diamond FM news desk has been full of journalistic challenges, fun and lots of work.

We launched our first bulletin on the first of December 2015 during the endearment stage and things have never been the same over since the official launch on 13 May 2016.

My task has been to lead to the News and Current Affairs team comprising Jabulani Mangezi, Charlene Mataure, Michelle Bwititi, Mercy Ngwebvu and Yolanda Simango (an intern).

The Diamond FM news product has grown from live read bulletins to include actualities and our main news bulletin of the day “The world in ten” which is aired at 7pm Monday to Friday.

We broke a number of stories over the year, including the death of Cde Victoria Chitepo, the Vumba plane crash, the malaria “outbreak” in Mutare this year among others showing our determination to provide news in real time.

We have also carried many social stories on the plight of the Matida residents in Sakubva, the homeless federation squatters in Chikanga among other topical stories that shape our broadcasting zone.

Mutare Yedu current affairs programme which I host every Wednesday between 8pm-8.40pm has indeed become a programme for the listener, who week after week engage in the socio-economic issues that take place in our society.

Mutare Yedu has become a brand on Diamond FM which I am fully proud to be associated with as produce/ presenter.

I have virtually applied my broadcasting experience gained before joining Zimpapers to the unit and the entire news team has been fantastic, innovative and relevant to the needs of the department. I wish Diamond FM many more years of broadcasting.

LAMPY AKA ZKIT
My Journey as a Producer/Presenter at Diamond FM has been awesome. There’s no feeling better than working and executing one’s duties within a job that you love.

Yes, there are many mistakes, bumps and bruises but every day is another lesson learnt and a step closer to my destiny. The road has been made a lot easier to bear by the great team and awesome relationship with my workmates who are always encouraging and supportive.

My best moment as a Presenter at the station was when Kritic Igwe, my co-host for Eastern Blockhoodhop and I were nominated for Best radio Djs at the last Zimhiphop awards.

There’s definitely a lot more to look forward to, a lot more milestones to cross but God willing the road will get even easier.

CHARLENE MATAURE AKA JEWEL FROM THE EAST
It has definitely been a meandering journey. Some days are good, other days hectic, but above all it has been a great learning experience.

One of my greatest moments is when I was given the opportunity to join the news team.

I knew I had to really prove my existence as being part of the news team. It was not easy and still it is not easy, but who says life should be easy.

The support and criticism is helping me, as I strive to reach my goal of becoming a news anchor.

I would like to say thank you to Zimpapers, Team Diamond FM, my family, the listeners and the Lord Almighty.

 

MICHELLE BWITITI AKA ZION ASSET
My experience with Diamond FM so far has been really remarkable. Looking back at how I started, I can only see magic; the first days were a hustle. I sometimes dreaded going on air because I thought I did not sound good enough.

I would listen to my recordings and feel embarrassed.

My worst experience was reading news, I fluffed terribly in almost all the bulletins and I was embarrassed to say my name in public. I was afraid people would recognise that I am the girl who makes mistakes on radio, however, through it all I never thought of giving up. I kept on trying; I told myself with experience everything gets better. No job is easy. I needed to be strong and not lose hope.

I am grateful for the rare opportunity given to me to be a radio presenter, the year has really been a learning experience for me and with God’s grace I believe I will go far in the broadcasting industry.

MERCY NGWEBVU AKA WASU CHAIYE
The first year at Diamond FM has been a journey worth celebrating for me.

Having started in the News Department, my greatest achievement my greatest achievement has been able to make a transition into continuity and being one of the hosts for the Drive Show, Homebound.

It feels good to be part of a winning team, ZIMPAPERS, and I am grateful for the chance I have to create my own brand in the limelight of the bigger brand Zimpapers.