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PHILLIMON MHLANGA

Two years ago, integrated media group AB Communications, launched Business Times, at a glittering event held in the capital with members of the business community rocking the red carpet in their hot outfits.

AB Communications operates other broadcasting and audio-visual units namely ZiFM Stereo, Mighty Movies, Hevoi FM, 98.4 Midlands and Truck Ads Media.

Speaking at the launch, Simon Khaya Moyo, who was acting Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, said the newspaper should provide balanced and accurate news, anchored on objective reporting.

Indeed, Business Times has grown in stature, earning a critical acclaim as it has become a trusted source of business, financial and economic news in Zimbabwe, barely two years after its launch.

In the two years of our existence, we have also developed successful partnerships and collaborations with many stakeholders.

We thank readers and advertisers for their support.

“Government welcomes the introduction of this business weekly publication by AB Communications which we hope will fill in the yawning gap in pace-setting local and regional business news, giving stiff competition to the existing business weeklies by demonstrating two things,” Moyo, who was guest speaker, said.

“Firstly, that Zimbabwe’s new dispensation and future needs platforms that provide balanced and accurate analysis of Zimbabwe’s political, financial and social news. Secondly, objective business reporting is viable, profitable and rewarding to investors, rendering new well planned investment in the media industry lucrative sustainable.”

The launch of The Business Times, came at a time when President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration opened up the economy to both domestic and foreign investment under the mantra “Zimbabwe is open for business”.

 “As we celebrate the launch of Business Times, a development that does not only mark real growth for AB Communications Group, but also the growth of the information sector, we therefore look forward to a unique world-class competitive product that fully takes advantage of Zimbabwe’s openness to do business.

“It is my ministry’s expectation and indeed that of the government that new business initiatives of this nature be fully anchored by and reflective of our vision to rapidly transform Zimbabwe into a middle income economy by the year 2030,” Moyo said.

“Having had occasion to look at the launch copy of Business Times, and judging by the editorial focus and the quality of journalism which the newspaper promises, I have no doubt in my mind that this new product, The Business Times, will be a winner.”

Moyo said the government was committed to implementing reforms in the media industry.

“Let me assure our media practitioners that the government is committed to implementing necessary reforms in their industry that will help propel Zimbabwe into the developed economy and society we want it to be in the next decade, “ Moyo said.

Moyo, however, warned journalists to adhere to ethical standards. “Misrepresentations and misinformation are not good for the development of our country,” Moyo said.

“I therefore take this opportunity to appeal to members of the influential fourth estate to be always true to their calling by strictly adhering to the values and ethical standards of their profession. Journalists need to be guided by their industry’s ethical standards and as professionals they should never engage in any activities that are in conflict with established values and ethical standards. Positive development needs responsible journalism.”

Former mayor of Harare, Muchadeyi Masunda, who is also a director of numerous companies concurred with Moyo saying: “This is a significant milestone for the local media industry but members of the fourth estate should adhere to ethical standards. Journalists should not go for the scandals always but should go for real news,” he added.

Also speaking at the launch, AB Communications chief executive officer, Susan Makore, said: “The new (President Mnangagwa’s) administration is working to remove many obstacles that are inhibiting investment in Zimbabwe.”

“These include access to foreign currency to import newsprint and spare parts for our printing equipment. Even better, we expect that milling companies such as Mutare Board and Paper Mills will re-open and enable the sector to buy newsprint locally and even export to the region and beyond.

“The advent of Business Times, which we are launching tonight (two years ago), is timely as it is coming at a time when Zimbabwe has been opened for business.

This financial and business newspaper will help articulate the business and investment environment as our government embarks on an extensive drive to attract both international and local investors.

“It can expose corruption and can keep a check on public policy by putting a spotlight on government activity to ensure transparency and accountability.

A vigorous media exposes corruption in both the private and public sector.

“Just looking at the structure and content of the newspaper, The Business Times, is indeed redefining business. This confirms that we are not only talking business with locals, we are going to be conversing with global business as our quality is truly international.”

In September last year, the founding editor Happiness Zengeni, stood down.

Bernard Mpofu, took the reins and said he is pleased with the title’s progress. “It feels like yesterday when we launched. We took the baby steps and we have acquitted ourselves well under extremely difficult conditions,” said Mpofu.

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