Media law reform and media regulation

The regulatory environment in Zimbabwe continues to be defined by restrictive and inhibitive media policies and laws.

Years after the adoption of the 2013 Constitution (PDF), which contains a universally acceptable Bill of Rights, there has not been any meaningful shift in the country’s statutory media regulation legislation and policies to make these constitutional gains a reality.

The statutory Zimbabwe Media Commission is empowered through the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act PDF. (AIPPA) with the registration and licensing of media houses and accreditation of journalists.

The government-sanctioned Information and Media Panel of Inquiry on 18 March 2015 officially released its report and recommendations on Zimbabwe’s information and media sectors urging the government to review and repeal the country’s restrictive media laws.

The report recommends the repeal of laws such as the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (CODE) (PDF), Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) (PDF), Censorship and Entertainment Controls Act (CECA) , Official Secrets Act (OSA) and Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, among others.

MISA Zimbabwe’s push for self-regulation is thus defined by the restrictive legislative environment.

Media law reform news from our chapters

MISA Zimbabwe 2022 State of the Media Report (Now Available)

MISA Zimbabwe 2022 State of the Media Report (Now Available)

Introduction As the year under review drew to a close, Zimbabwe hosted the belated commemorations of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists in the resort town of Victoria Falls on 11 -12 November 2022. The event, which coincided with the...

World Press Freedom Day Commemorations – 30 years on!

World Press Freedom Day Commemorations – 30 years on!

MISA retrospect and the future of expression in the age of fragmentation! By Tabani Moyo  This year marks significant milestones on two fronts as we commemorate the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) and the 75th anniversary of the Universal...