ZNS is the national television station of The Bahamas. It broadcasts on channel 13 locally in Nassau and on various cable channels throughout the country. ZNS stands for The Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, which operates the station.
Where is ZNS located?
The main studios and offices of ZNS are located on Harcourt Rutherford Highway (commonly known as “Blue Hill Road”) in Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas. The broadcast tower for ZNS TV 13 is situated west of Nassau in the Adelaide suburb.
What programming does ZNS air?
As the national public broadcaster of The Bahamas, ZNS airs a variety of locally-produced programs along with some imported content. This includes:
- Local news and public affairs programs
- Weather reports
- Educational shows
- Talk shows
- Cooking shows
- Children’s programming
- Religious programs
- Sports coverage
- Parliamentary broadcasts when in session
- Classic Bahamian movies and shows
- Some imported sitcoms and dramas
ZNS also airs special cultural events and national celebrations throughout the year. Some of the station’s popular long-running programs include the morning show “ZNS Morning Ride”, the talk show “Issues of the Day”, the travel show “Bahamas at Sunrise”, and the classic comedy “Under de Um Brella Tree”.
When did ZNS first go on air?
ZNS first went on the air on January 2nd, 1956. It was established under the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas Act passed in 1955 during the colonial era. The first director-general of the broadcasting corporation was William S. Boyd.
Initially, ZNS operated solely as a radio service carrying news, music, and other programs. ZNS launched its television service, then known as ZNS-TV, on August 23, 1977. This made it the first national TV station in The Bahamas.
How is ZNS funded?
As a public broadcaster, ZNS is funded through a combination of government funding, paid advertising, and sponsorship revenue. The majority of ZNS’s funding comes from an annual subvention (grant) from the Government of The Bahamas through the Ministry of Finance.
ZNS is allowed to generate additional revenue through commercial advertising, program sponsorships, and special events. However, the amount of advertising time is restricted compared to private broadcasters. ZNS also receives a television license fee paid by cable operators that retransmit the ZNS signal.
Does ZNS have any sister stations?
Yes, ZNS operates two sister radio stations in addition to its television service:
- ZNS 1 – AM 1340 – This station features a mix of news, talk shows, sports, and music programming.
- ZNS 2 – FM 107.9 – Launched in 1997, this station carries a contemporary Bahamian music format with local DJs.
All three ZNS stations are based at the same studios in Nassau but have their own distinct programming and identities. ZNS 1 AM launched along with the original ZNS radio service in 1956. ZNS TV and ZNS 2 FM were added later to form a full public broadcasting family for The Bahamas.
Who oversees ZNS?
ZNS falls under the oversight of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, which operates as a statutory corporation. The BCOTB is governed by a board of directors appointed by the Governor-General of The Bahamas on the advice of the Prime Minister and other ministers.
Daily operations of ZNS are handled by the Director General of the BCOTB. The current Director General is Kayleaser Deveaux-Isaacs. She provides leadership for all ZNS television and radio services and channels.
Does ZNS broadcast digitally?
Yes, ZNS has transitioned to digital broadcasting using the ATSC standards. The station now transmits high definition TV signals over-the-air on digital channel 13.1. ZNS also provides a standard definition simulcast feed on digital channel 13.2 for viewers without HD equipment.
For cable viewers, ZNS is carried on various channels in HD and SD formats. On some systems, ZNS 1 radio is also available as a digital subchannel. ZNS has plans to add more digital multicast feeds in the future with additional content.
Can ZNS be seen throughout the Bahamas?
The primary ZNS over-the-air signal on channel 13 only covers New Providence Island where Nassau is located. However, ZNS programming is made available nationwide through arrangements with cable operators like Cable Bahamas.
ZNS operates five low-power translator stations to relay its signals to the nearby islands of Abaco, Bimini, Eleuthera, Exuma, and Grand Bahama. This allows viewers on those islands to receive ZNS over-the-air with an antenna.
ZNS programming is also streamed live on the station’s website znsbahamas.com for online viewing. Some shows are available on demand as well on the site.
Does ZNS have a mobile app?
Yes, the ZNS Bahamas mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices. The app allows users to watch ZNS TV live, view the TV schedule, listen to ZNS radio stations, and get updated news headlines.
The ZNS app provides a convenient way for viewers throughout The Bahamas and worldwide fans to access ZNS programming on their smartphones and tablets.
What are ZNS’s most popular shows?
| Show | Description |
|---|---|
| ZNS Morning Ride | Daily breakfast show with news, traffic, weather, interviews, entertainment reports and more |
| Issues of the Day | Weeknight interview program covering current events and topics |
| Real News | Hour-long nightly newscast recapping the day’s top stories |
| Jones and Company | Popular daytime talk show hosted by well-known broadcaster Wendall Jones |
| Good News Bahamas | Weekly show highlighting positive stories in Bahamian communities |
These programs tend to draw high viewership and have developed loyal audiences over the years. ZNS’s unique blend of news, public affairs, cultural entertainment attracts viewers of all ages seeking Bahamian perspectives and voices.
Who are some notable ZNS personalities?
Some of the most well-known on-air personalities from ZNS over the decades include:
- Ed Bethel – founding Director General who led ZNS radio and oversaw the launch of ZNS-TV
- Eileen Carron – pioneering radio host and producer from the 1950s through 1980s
- Steve McKinney – host of various ZNS shows including the popular “Video Jukebox” music program
- Charles Carter – long-time host of the morning show in radio and TV
- Wendall Jones – host of “Jones and Company” talk show for 25+ years
- Candia Dames – award-winning ZNS news anchor and reporter
- Kristina Fountain-Pinder – presenter on ZNS stations since the 1990s
These and many other on-air hosts have become household names and beloved icons through their work informing and entertaining Bahamian audiences on ZNS platforms over the years.
Does the Bahamian government control ZNS news coverage?
While ZNS is a public broadcaster that receives government funding, its news division maintains editorial independence and authority over its coverage. ZNS abides by journalistic principles in its news reporting and is not directly controlled by the government.
However, some observers occasionally accuse ZNS of avoiding certain controversial political stories or being biased towards the current administration. ZNS maintains it strives to cover all major news with balance and fairness.
What is the role of ZNS for the Bahamian people?
As the only Bahamian-owned free-to-air national TV broadcaster, ZNS provides a vital public service in informing, educating, and entertaining citizens across the country. For many Bahamians, ZNS is the primary source for local news and perspectives they cannot get anywhere else.
ZNS programming reflects Bahamian culture, heritage, and diversity. ZNS covers major events bringing the country together and provides a platform to debate national issues. It also broadcasts emergency information during hurricanes or other crises.
In summary, ZNS fulfills a crucial mandate of accessible public broadcasting that connects Bahamians, promotes national identity and development, and celebrates what makes The Bahamas unique.
How can I visit the ZNS studios?
The ZNS studios facility offers tours to the public periodically. Visitors can observe the TV studios, sit in the control room, and meet some ZNS personalities. Tour rates are $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Tours can be booked by calling 242-502-2300 during regular business hours or emailing [email protected]. Groups of 6 or more can also inquire about booking a special tour.
ZNS only permits tours during certain windows so as not to disturb critical live broadcasts. There is also a ZNS museum onsite showcasing artifacts from the history of broadcasting in The Bahamas.
Does ZNS have a channel on YouTube or social media?
Yes, ZNS has an active presence on various social media platforms:
- YouTube – The ZNSNetwork YouTube channel features clips and segments from ZNS programming
- Facebook – ZNS has an official Facebook page that is regularly updated with news, features, and exclusives
- Twitter – Breaking news and show promotions are tweeted from the @znsbahamas account
- Instagram – The znsbahamas Instagram provides great visuals from ZNS shows and events
These social channels provide another way for ZNS to engage audiences, especially younger tech-savvy viewers who increasingly get their news through social media.
Conclusion
For over 65 years, ZNS has been pivotal in developing and deepening Bahamian broadcasting. It provides a vital independent Bahamian voice on public television and radio. From its humble radio origins, ZNS has grown into an innovative multiplatform media enterprise.
Today, ZNS informs and connects the archipelago through its dynamic mix of news, culture, and entertainment. ZNS maintains a loyal local audience while expanding its reach globally via digital platforms. As an enduring public institution, ZNS continues to educate, inspire, and unify the people of The Bahamas.