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Registration of Mass Media Service Providers: An opinion
prepared by Tawanda Hondora for MISA-Zimbabwe Chapter
June 12, 2002

© reserved - Tawanda Hondora June 2002

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This is an opinion on a matter critical, to the mass media industry, media freedom, and the development of democracy in Zimbabwe. A law regulating the mass media service industry, called the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act [Chapter 10:27] (referred to as AIPPA) was promulgated and became law on the 14 March 2002. Under AIPPA, mass media service providers are now required to obtain a certificate of registration from the Media and Information Commission, created in terms of Part VII of AIPPA. Partly as a result of AIPPA's oppressiveness, but perhaps mainly due to the fact that prior to 14 March 2002, the mass media service industry was not specifically regulated, the promulgation of the law has occasioned much consternation.

Conclusion

• This matter raises a fundamental issue of media freedom and plurality of information, views and opinions in Zimbabwe. The power that is exercised by the Commission over the media industry is such that even if mass media companies register, the regime created is oppressive. The politically compromised Commission exercises disciplinary power over mass media stakeholders.
• The fear that litigation particularly in the Supreme Court may be futile, though not ill placed, ignores the limits of manipulation of legal rules and principles. It is advised that the various associations representing the various mass media companies must petition the Supreme Court for the striking out of section 66 of AIPPA. Such an approach insulates the individual mass media companies from potential victimization by the authorities.
  
  Napoleon once said: Four hostile newspapers are to be feared than a thousand bayonets.

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