NBC rebrands radio stations

OSHAKATI, 17 MAR – The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC)’s Oshiwambo Radio Station at Oshakati in the Oshana Region was renamed as Kati FM, as part of the parastatal’s strategy to re-brand all its 10 radio stations.
The station has been known as ‘Radio Wambo’ for the past 49 years, following its inception in December 1969.
It was recently also known as Kati M’kupulwa Pale Dingi and is the radio station most listened to in the far northern regions of Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshikoto.
Head of the NBC radio stations, Mushitu Mukwame told Nampa in an interview after the rebranding that the radio stations, especially Kati FM, had been globalised over the past three years via the internet.
Afrikaans and Otjiherero are the other two NBC radio stations already rebranded, while the rest of the stations and the television station will be rebranded in the near future.
According to Cassius Moetie, NBC Brand Activation Strategy Manager, the corporation has adopted a strategy to change and modernise the names of all the stations which were established by the then apartheid regime on ethnic and/or tribal base.
Speaking at the same occasion, NBC Director General Stanley Similo said a radio is very important and can address the needs of people in various languages.
“Try and make use of a radio, as we inform, educate and entertain people in Namibia,” said Similo, adding that the NBC is for everyone who stays in Namibia.
He urged radio presenters not to take sides, as this will cause division among people.
“We are not here to take sides and not to divide people,” Similo cautioned.
He went on to warn that a wrong message broadcasted via a radio station can cause war.
Similo also demanded that NBC presenters, journalists and other team players refrain from censorship, but rather to apply respect of all the country’ people.
Oshana Governor Clemens Kashuupulwa officiated at the ceremony and commended the NBC for the “strategic change in the re-branding of the station to the preferred name understood by all in the northern area”.
Kashuupulwa explained that NBC is a public service broadcaster, and is mandated by an Act of Parliament to inform, educate and entertain the public.
“Therefore, NBC should ensure that correct and precise information is transmitted to local, regional and international communities at all times.”
Queen Martha Mwadinomho waKristian yaNelumbu of Oukwanyama, Omusati Governor Erginus Endjala, former NBC employees and several local captains of industry also attended the re-branding event.

NAMPA