Power FM (98.7 FM) went live today in Gauteng, South Africa, after being launched by Nomvula Mokonyane, the province’s premier.
The Gauteng-based radio station is now broadcasting from its Houghton studios and is described as an English-medium talk-radio commercial station.
Its first lineup this week will feature interviews with Jacob Zuma, president of South Africa, and Thabo Mbeki, former president of South Africa.
“The launch of Power FM is an achievement for freedom of speech, black economic empowerment and the advancement of Gauteng as South Africa’s economic powerhouse as this will be a platform for meaningful engagement around solutions of making the province and South Africa what we all want it to be,” Business Day Live quoted Mokonyane, as saying at the launch.
Power FM’s target audience is reportedly listeners between the ages of 25 to 49. The station’s flagship breakfast show is hosted by Siki Mgabadeli, an award-winning journalist, Lawrence Tlhabane, a radio veteran and Andrea van Wyk, news anchor.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) provided the last available FM radio frequency licence.
“The first broadcast was everything we had planned and hoped it would be – fresh, entertaining, informative and thought-provoking,” said Given Mkhari, owner of MSG Afrika Investment Holdings, which owns Power FM.
“We are also truly encouraged and humbled by the messages of support we received from our listeners so far, who clearly seem to share in our vision to deliver the best radio experience and effect change.”
