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Exiled Zimbabwean journalists launch website
Lance Guma, SW Radio Africa
January 16, 2006

http://www.swradioafrica.com/news160106/website160106.htm

The Association of Zimbabwean Journalists in the United Kingdom (AZJ-UK) has launched a website www.zimbabwejournalists.com

In a bid to bring together exiled journalists and other media practitioners outside the country. The association, which has 40 experienced journalists amongst it ranks, intends to help journalists in Zimbabwe expand the shrinking democratic space in the country.

The website will provide an outlet for journalists home and abroad to get their stories published. The government using repressive legislation has shut down 4 newspapers and denied several media groups any broadcasting licences. This the association believes has created a need for a more diverse and vibrant mass media.

Former Daily News reporter and Co-ordinator for the project Sandra Nyaira, told Newsreel they will seek to nurture media skills so badly needed in Zimbabwe and continue the fight for press freedom back home. The AZJ-UK intends to form alliances with the media in the UK and other parts of the world while also supporting those of their members who have been affected by repressive laws. This includes finding placements for journalists and securing opportunities for further training.

The Association says it is independent of any political party and will work together with fellow colleagues who are scattered around the globe and have been rendered voiceless. Meanwhile the government using the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) has gazetted new application and registration fees for journalists and mass media houses. A Zimbabwean journalist working for a local media company will pay Z$250, 000 while a local journalist working for foreign media will pay an application fee of US$ 50 plus an accreditation fee of US$ 1000.

Foreign journalists who need temporary accreditation now have to pay an application fee of US$ 100 plus an accreditation fee of US$ 500. Application for permission to operate a representative office for foreign mass media service or news agency will cost US$ 2, 000 and a US$10,000 fee for permission to operate. Observers say the move is intended to either raise money for a cash-strapped government or discourage international media from covering Zimbabwe.

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