Commvibe, powered by Mediamark, has signed exclusive partnerships with three of South Africa’s top community radio stations — Zibonele FM and Bok Radio in the Western Cape and Thetha FM in Gauteng.
According to the BRC RAMS Amplify (October 2022 – September 2023) Report, 73% of the population is tuning into radio weekly from all socio-economic backgrounds, community radio stations play a significant citizenry role in the media landscape.
Commvibe says that it is rapidly expanding its representation and empowerment among these sought-after audiences.
“Community radio stations are critical in providing vital information, education and entertainment to their local communities,” says head of business development Mervyn Naidu. “As many broadcasts in the language of its community, they also foster a strong sense of trust and real-ness with their audiences, which is what radio is all about.”
Zibonele FM, broadcasting in the Khayelitsha area, was South Africa’s first official community radio station when it received its license in 1995. According to Commvibe, Zibonele FM’s content focuses on health, news, technology, entertainment, youth, and local community initiatives.
Zibonele FM has won multiple awards, making it one of the most recognized media brands in the community radio landscape today. Zibonele FM is ranked number one as the most listened to community station in the Western Cape, according to the BRC RAMS Amplify (October 2022 – September 2023) Report.
Bok Radio began its broadcast in 2019 to the northern suburbs and surrounds of the Western Cape. It resonates with the culture and rich heritage of its listeners, hosting events and shows to capacity audiences, says Commvibe.
Regarded as a station “punching above its weight” with a vibrant terrestrial and online footprint. Bok Radio is in the top five most listened to community stations in the Western Cape, based on the BRC RAMS Amplify (October 2022 – September 2023) Report.
Thetha FM started broadcasting from a secondary school in Orange Farm, Gauteng in 2003. The station’s mission is to provide informative and empowering content and programming that promotes, among other things, primary healthcare and community upliftment and celebrates diversity that crosses cultural lines, says Commvibe.
According to the BRC RAMS Amplify (October 2022 – September 2023) Report, today Thetha FM is hailed as one of Gauteng’s most successful community platforms, and the second most popular Community station in Gauteng.
Mediamark and Commvibe’s exclusive agreements demonstrate their commitment to delivering high-quality media partnerships and solutions. Furthermore, the partnerships will uplift social pride and investment in these communities, says Commvibe.
“Mediating the intersection between advertisers and community radio has been a rewarding journey so far. Our exclusive agreements, led by common purpose, mark a milestone of generosity and inclusiveness, and we are committed to fostering a vibrant community radio landscape for the good of our industry,” Mediamark CEO, Wayne Bischoff concluded.