ZNS-TV
 | |
| Nassau / Freeport, Bahamas | |
|---|---|
| Slogan | Only the sun covers The Bahamas better |
| Channels |
Analog: 13 (VHF) (both stations) Digital: 13 (future) |
| Translators | ZNS-TV-1 13 (Freeport) |
| Affiliations | ZNS Network |
| Owner | The Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Call letters' meaning | Zephyr (balmy breeze) Nassau Sunshine |
| Transmitter power | 500 kW (both stations) |
| Website | ZNS Bahamas |
ZNS (the call letters stand for Zephyr Nassau Sunshine) is a national radio and TV broadcaster operated by the state-owned Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas.
ZNS-TV's two transmitters - serving Nassau and Freeport - are the only over-the-air TV stations in the Bahamas; the rest of the country gets these channels (and a privately owned station) via Cable Bahamas, a private company which has an exclusive license to operate cable TV services until 2009.
The BCB also owns ZNS radio: ZNS-1 AM 1540 (a clear channel), ZNS-2 FM 107.9 "Inspiration 107.9FM", ZNS-1 FM 104.5 FM and ZNS-2 FM 107.9 in Nassau, and ZNS-3 AM 810 in Freeport.
The news personalities for the station in Nassau includes: Jerome Sawyer (7pm / 11pm News), Shenique Miller (Reporter), Vaughnique Toote (Weekend 7pm), Basil Dean (Weather), Greg Thompson (Weather), Keishla Smith (5pm Update Anchor), Clint Watson (Reporter), Syann Thompson (Reporter), Charles Fisher (Main Radio Sports Anchor), Jonathan Benson (Sports Reporter), Julian Gibson (Sports Reporter), Julian Reid (Reporter), Carla Palmer (Reporter), Fern Carey (Reporter). LeDaunne Davis (Reporter), Giovanni Stuart.
The news personalities for the station in Freeport includes: Pakesia Edgecombe (News Anchor/Reporter), Ricardo Lightbourn (News Director), Nathalee Martinborough (News Producer), Joan Davis-Rolle (Reporter), Sabrina Brown (Reporter), Shakara Russell (Reporter), Shasheena Rolle (Reporter), Megan Shephard (Reporter).
In October 2010, the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas (BCB) underwent a major restructuring exercise. Some eighty plus employees were let go, a downsizing that sparked much public debate. Of those numbers some opted for a voluntary separation package that was being offered by the government, for those who wanted to sever ties with the corporation, while others had their services terminated. Successive governments have declared the BCB to be a major strain on the public purse for years now, bringing in little revenue, but costing the government major payouts in salaries and maintenance. This was the driving force behind the restructuring and is expected to help pave the way for the corporation's transition into a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
Those behind the changes at the BCB were Minister of National Security, with Responsibilities for Broadcasting, the Hon. Tommy Turnquest, Mr. Michael Moss (Chairman, BCB) along with his board members and management of the corporation. Payouts during this process, have been reported to cost the government around four million dollars. Many of those who received packages and termination letters, generally were not happy with the payouts given when compared to their years of loyal service to the company. However the government maintained that the payouts were generous considering the economic climate in the country and was more than is required by law for them to pay. In addition twelve months of medical insurance for those who are no longer with the company continued.
On December 14, 2011, ZNS-TV had announced it was planning on converting to ATSC digital terrestrial television, with the capability to add a mobile DTV feed.[1]
Executive Management -
- General Manager: Mr. Edwin Lightbourn,
- Sr. Deputy General Manager: Mr. Carlton Smith,
- Sr. Deputy General Manager: Mrs. Kayleaser Deveaux-Isaacs,
- Financial Controller: Mr. Eugene Higgs
See also
- Communications in the Caribbean
- List of the Caribbean television channels
References
- ↑ "Bahamas national TV to get multi-million dollar digital upgrade – video". The Bahamas Investor. 2011-12-14. Retrieved 2012-09-11.
External links
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