(Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – State-owned media, ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), is being brought into the modern technological age, as the Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris-led Team Unity Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is leading a comprehensive overhaul of the organization that will result in greater efficiency and the delivery of higher quality programming to its viewing and listening audience.
The state-owned radio and television station, which went neglected for many years under the previous Denzil Douglas Administration, operated under numerous challenges including the use of long outdated technologies.
The first phase of the rebranding of ZIZ was rolled out today (Thursday, March 29) when Prime Minister Harris handed over several pieces of broadcasting equipment, including a TC 1 video mixer/switcher, to the organization’s management.
Dr. Harris said through the procurement of these state-of-the-art pieces of equipment, his government has affirmed its commitment to ensuring that it moves ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation to a higher level.
“As part of that phased approach to dealing with the legacy challenges that we have had at ZIZ, we are procuring equipment…and today we are handing over some of those facilities so that ZIZ can lead the way in terms of providing the communication services which the people of St. Kitts and Nevis expect and deserve,” Prime Minister Harris said.
The prime minister further noted that part of the government’s overall plans to rebrand the state-owned media entity entails significant improvements to the physical infrastructure of the corporation.
He added, “ZIZ is not just about equipment and appliances, it certainly is also more importantly about its employees and we want them to have a good life; we want them to be able to work in comfort and so the physical surroundings we are also committed to enhancing.”
Acting General Manager of ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Viere Galloway accepted the pieces of equipment from Prime Minister, and stated that the acquisition of the new technologies will put ZIZ in a better position to provide quality services to its viewers and clients.
Mr. Galloway said, “The government, Mr. Prime Minister, through your intervention, was able to release some much needed funds for us to acquire these pieces of equipment and I can assure you that we will do our endeavour best to make sure that we deliver on our commitment to our viewers that there will be improved service in the quality of our broadcast.”
The new pieces of broadcasting equipment were acquired from the US-based firm TV Pro Gear, which has also sent a team of professionals to train the technical staff at ZIZ in the proper use of the equipment.