Local investor to run Rwanda’s first private TV station

A Rwandan investor has said that he would open the country’s first private TV station.

The owner of TVI0, Mr Eugene Nyagahene, told a press conference at his Kigali office Wednesday that his station would go on air in July.

"We will have a new way of presenting the news, different from the news we have been used to on the only government owned TV, where most of the news was to do with government events; this time, we're going to give an opportunity to either civil society to talk, the business community and every citizen will have a say for the viewers," said Mr Nyagahene.

Mr Nyagahene told Xinhua that "among other goals, TV10 would focus on training, especially the young generation, on the fight against HIV/Aids and education in general, and would broadcast 24 hours, seven days a week in all Rwanda's official languages; English, French and Kinyarwanda.

There has been only state television in Rwanda since 1991, with the main editorial line of government events and the state's political agenda.

"One of the reasons many potential investors are hesitant investing in TV stations is for fear of failing to secure advertising companies, which is the source of income for a TV station," Mr Nyagahene said.

Mr Abdalah Murefu, a businessman, told Xinhua: "A second TV station has been long overdue because having only one TV does not provide room for variety choice, we are tired of monopoly."

Another interviewee, Mr Joshua Mugabo, said Rwanda was the only country in the East African region with a single TV station.

"If you would like to have a change from watching Rwanda Television, one needs to be able to afford a pay TV, which the majority cannot afford."