THE media should promote genuine democracy, Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu has said.

He urged Africa to tell its story through its own media.

Speaking at the launch of terrestrial television, Go TV, Minister Shamu implored media organisations to fulfil the African vision of founding fathers such as President Mugabe, former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda and former Tanzanian President the late Julius Nyerere.

"Africa should tell its own story through its eyes and media organisations should strive to be accessed by ordinary citizens," said Minister Shamu.

Go TV is a digital terrestrial TV.

Multichoice chief executive Mr Lovemore Mangwende described Go TV as a low-cost digital television service, offering the greatest selection of local channels, made in Africa for Africans as well as the best international channels .

The new TV service offers over 20 channels per frequency and will feature in its bouquet TV channels such as Africa Magic Plus, Discovery, Disney Junior, E-Africa, Nickelodeon, Select Sport, Style, BBC World News and Al Jazeera among other channels.

ZTV Channel 1 and 2 and all ZBC radio stations would be available on the bouquet.

Unlike other terrestrial channels, Go TV does not need a satellite dish and it would be transmitted by TransMedia Corporation.

TransMedia Corporation chief executive Ms Florence Sigudu-Matambo said funds generated from the pay per view television would be used for digitalisation.

"TransMedia is required to digitalise by August 2013 by SADC and Go TV through Multichoice would act as a funding partner," she said.

The roll out phase would start in Harare and spread to other towns.

ZBC chief executive Mr Happison Muchechetere said the digital television would be "handy" during the referendum and forthcoming elections.

A terrestrial implementation of digital television technology uses an aerial to broadcast to a conventional television antenna (or aerial) instead of a satellite dish or cable television connections.