Media independence and diversity
Currently, the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) and the Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) regulate the sectors separately.
The push for convergence is driven by technological advancements in both sectors and the reality of their future intersection as broadcasters in Zimbabwe adopt complementary and/or alternative broadcasting methods.
Given the current criticism and opaqueness of the appointment and composition of both regulatory bodies, as well as lack of transparency in their governance of the sectors, MISA Zimbabwe considers its push for an independent regulatory board as key to the realisation of the overall potential of both sectors in Zimbabwe.
Convergence of the two sectors will go a long way in improving efficiency in terms of reach, access and diversity. It will not only ensure the effective operations of broadcasters. It will also allow citizens to enjoy their constitutional rights to free expression and access to information as receivers and producers of broadcast content.
MISA Zimbabwe seeks to achieve this though:
- Continuous advocacy for the opening up of the airwaves towards a three-tier broadcasting sector that includes an independent public service broadcaster, as well as commercial and community broadcasters
- Transformation of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation into a truly public service broadcaster with editorial independence that is accountable to the citizenry through parliament
- Fair and transparent licensing of players for the sector
- Creation of sustainability models for the sector
- Advocacy for the establishment of an independent complains mechanism for public broadcasters
- Formulation and monitoring of the broadcasting policy framework and legislation.
Media independence news from our chapters
Media Reforms Stakeholders Indaba Resolutions
30 October 2021 Cresta Lodge Msasa Harare, Zimbabwe We, the delegates to the MISA Zimbabwe facilitated Stakeholders Indaba on Media Law and Policy Reforms held on 30 October 2021 in Harare, Zimbabwe; Having debated and deliberated on the national importance of media...
Journalists reaffirm co-regulation of the media as way forward
MISA Zimbabwe National Governing Council (NGC) chairperson Golden Maunganidze was re-elected for another three-year term during the media freedom advocacy and lobby organisation’s annual general meeting held in Harare on 30 October 2021. Maunganidze beat former...
Independent Complaints Mechanism necessary to halt harassment against the media
By Malvern Mkudu After years of reluctance to implement section 210 of the constitution by setting up an Independent Complaints Mechanism that looks into the excesses of the security forces, the government seems to be yielding and has called for public hearings to...
Journalist Moyo denied bail
Journalist Jeffrey Moyo and Thabang Manhika, an employee of the Zimbabwe Media Commission were on 31 May 2021 denied bail on charges of contravening the Immigration Act. Bulawayo magistrate Rachel Mukanga said the two were facing serious charges with a 10-year prison...
Canadian ambassador laments continued attacks on journalists
The Canadian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Christina Buchan, has expressed concern at how journalists in Zimbabwe are treated, noting that media workers continued to face violations, despite them being declared essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Journalists,...