The issuance of licences is part of media reforms under President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration.
In a notice, the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) said the hearings will begin virtually from October 12 to October 21 for the 14 applicants that are vying for the six slots.
"The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe wishes to advise members of the public that, in terms of Section 10 (6) of the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter:12:06], the shortlisted applicants published herein are required to attend public inquiries to determine the applicants' suitability to be licenced for the provision of Free-to-air National Commercial Television Broadcasting Services," BAZ said.
It said the public hearings would be held via the Zoom Webinar in line with government preventive measures of curbing the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
All interested persons will be required to register in order to participate in the virtual meetings.
On the day of the public inquiry, members of the public may submit oral and written representations to the persons conducting the inquiry, subject to any restrictions that the Authority may put in place to preserve order.
AB Communications' Flex TV 1 will appear on October 12 at 2pm while the ZIMPAPERS' ZTN will appear on October 21.
