Otji FM to branch out

By Rosalia David

NEWLY launched Otjiwarongo FM (Otji FM) is planning on branching out to towns such as Keetmanshoop, Rundu and Otjinene in the first quarter of the year.

In an interview with Confidente, radio station board chairman Peete Ujamba revealed the plans of expanding saying that their ‘new baby’ is finally growing after years of fighting tooth and nail to get it off the ground.

“The station was basically founded by a group of young entrepreneurs with the same dream and it was quite a battle to get to where we are today. People had to sell their shoes, cars and other things to make sure that our dream came true,” he said.

He went on to say that Otji FM was established in 2014 but acquiring a licence had been a challenge and only went on air in December.

Currently, the station employs up to 14 staffers and its target audience ranges from children to adults.

“We have a lot of programmes for different age groups and it is just a good feeling to see passionate young radio personalities chasing their dreams as we also offer training in those specific communication fields,” Ujamba revealed.

He said before acquiring the licence last year, they were in a battle with the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) over the delay in approving their broadcasting licence, of which the application dated back to 2014.

“It was not easy but at least it is a thing of the past now and step by step we will surely be able to expand to the rest of the country. It is unfortunate that the country is still battling with Covid-19 and not much can be done,” he said.

Apart from the challenges, Ujamba further highlighted some of the milestones the station has reached so far such as scooping an award at the Standard Bank Waka Kids Choice Awards.