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Government speaks on independent media bodies
MISA-Zimbabwe
May 19, 2005

The government has suggested the setting up of an independent media council in the wake of mounting pressure for the establishment of an independent self-regulatory body which presides over media affairs.

Addressing Nigerian soldiers who are on a tour of Zimbabwe, Deputy Minister of Information and Publicity Bright Matonga, said he was not averse to the setting up of an autonomous independent council which would work in tandem with the Media and Information Commission (MIC).

Matonga who was presenting a lecture titled Zimbabwe’s Information Policy on 18 May 2005, said the MIC would act as a referral court while the envisaged media council would serve as a regulatory authority.

He said the envisaged voluntary council would have to be representative in order to balance and serve the diverse interests of society and should not be staffed by journalists alone.

MISA-Zimbabwe has been on the forefront of campaigns for the establishment of an independent media council as opposed to the present situation where members of the MIC are appointed by the Minister of Information under the controversial Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

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