Ikwekwezi FM reaches more of Gauteng
The SABC has launched a new transmitter that will broadcast the Ndebele local radio station, Ikwekwezi FM, from Tshwane, expanding the station's reach to other areas in Gauteng, including Brixton, Newtown, Daveyton and Soweto, and delivering greater value for advertisers by increasing the listener base in relatively densely populated areas.
According to Desiree Oliphant of SABC Radio Sales, "While the main objective in launching the new transmitter is to attract more listeners by extending the station's coverage to areas where people were unable to tune in before, the expansion of the signal will also allow Ikwekwezi FM to attract more revenue from advertisers."
Ikwekwezi FM will undertake road shows in areas such as Alexandra, Vosloorus, Daveyton, Soweto, Pretoria Central and neighbouring areas to create awareness.
Ligwalagwala FM was presented with a Diamond Arrow at the annual Professional Management Review (PMR) awards in October at Nelspruit, for the highest rating in the Business Sector category of 'Best Local Radio Station' in Mpumalanga, based on a provincial survey conducted in August
The station was established in 1983 and broadcasts in isiSwati from the province's capital to a weekly audience of approximately 1 531 000.
South Africa's second-biggest vernacular radio station, Umhlobe Wenene FM, was ranked second as the 'most listened to' radio station in the country in the recent Markinor-Sunday Times top brands survey for 2005.
Positioned just behind Ukhozi FM, which leads the top ten list and is reputed to be the largest station in Africa, Umhlobo Wenene FM, with an average of 3.3 million listeners per day, recorded a brand relationship score of 14.4 %.
Manager Nieburg Magwa said the station was absolutely delighted with the survey ranking. "Umhlobo Wenene FM is an audience-driven station, and we continually strive to meet the needs of our listeners," he commented.
