Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Home 9 Access to information 9 MISA Zimbabwe Analysis of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill

MISA Zimbabwe Analysis of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill

27 Nov, 2024
It provides that the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) regulates and manages the broadcasting service bands for sustenance rather than control, thereby aligning it with constitutional principles and international best practices. Its emphasis on enhancing transparency, fostering inclusivity, and promoting local content is commendable.

Introduction

The recently gazetted Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill is meant to modernise the legal framework and industrialise the sector while addressing the issue of motor vehicle radio licences. 

The Bill, among other issues, seeks to align the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) ‘s oversight role with the Constitution and the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act while modernising and industrialising the sector. 

It provides that the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) regulates and manages the broadcasting service bands for sustenance rather than control, thereby aligning it with constitutional principles and international best practices. Its emphasis on enhancing transparency, fostering inclusivity, and promoting local content is commendable.

Analysis

The Bill provides a new provision ( Section 38 (4): 

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) and every motor insurance company shall only issue a motor vehicle license and motor insurance policy respectively to individuals who either hold a current radio licence issued by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) or a valid exemption certificate from the (ZBC) unless the vehicle to be insured is not equipped with a radio receiver. 

This amendment will prohibit the Zimbabwe National Road Authority and every motor insurance cover from selling a motor vehicle licence and motor insurance policy, respectively to individuals without the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation current radio license or an exemption certificate from Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, unless the vehicle to be insured is not equipped with a radio signal receiver.

This provision highlights an irrelevant connection. Linking motor vehicle licensing and insurance to radio licenses creates an unnecessary linkage between unrelated services. 

 

Click this link to download the report

About MISA

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) was founded in 1992. Its work focuses on promoting, and advocating for, the unhindered enjoyment of freedom of expression, access to information and a free, independent, diverse and pluralistic media.

Share this

Related news

Call to extend AI beyond traditional governance frameworks

Call to extend AI beyond traditional governance frameworks

There is a need to move beyond the mere adoption of imported AI (Artificial Intelligence) technologies by developing systems that enhance the representation of African languages, thereby extending the application of AI beyond traditional governance frameworks. The...