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Submission
and position paper on broadcasting in Zimbabwe
MISA-Zimbabwe
Janaury 25, 2006
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Introduction
Broadcasting as an industry and as a practice is an integral mechanism
for the promotion of freedom of expression and access to information
by members of the public. Its expansion over the last years and
improvements in technology has seen it rise to the pinnacle as a
critical tool for the passing on of information as well as the promotion
of freedom of expression the world over, more so in Africa where
media density remains low and millions remain without access to
media products. The Broadcasting industry is a major employer in
most countries and also plays a critical role in developing artistic
talent and showcasing a nation’s culture and traditions to the world.
Broadcasting stations, be they private or state should carry a national
outlook and contribute to the development of any given nation state.
Radio and Television
remain one of the most important ways in which citizens of a given
country can communicate with each other or express themselves in
as public a manner as possible. In Zimbabwe, the broadcasting industry
has not expanded in any significant manner since the country attained
its independence in 1980. There has been one state broadcaster that
has dominated Zimbabwe’s airwaves with some private players being
allowed to use the second free to air broadcasting frequency for
a brief period in the late 1990’s. These subsequently had their
broadcasting ‘licenses’ terminated allegedly after failure to pay
outstanding fees to the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).
The restructuring of the ZBC through the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation
Commercialization Act and the and the passage into law of the Broadcasting
Services Act meant that the new Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings (ZBH)
can no longer enter into agreements with others players such a Joy
TV.
Apart from the
laws cited above, Zimbabwe broadcasting area has remained stagnant.
In the medium of radio there has been no expansion save for one
extra radio station that was introduced after independence called
Radio 4. Added to this is that there have been no private radio
operators licensed to broadcast in Zimbabwe.
In 2001, the
Government of Zimbabwe promulgated the Broadcasting Services Act
with the assumed intention of correcting the lack of private players
in Zimbabwe’s broadcasting industry. This was done against the backdrop
of a constitutional challenge in the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe by
newly founded Capitol Radio, which was subsequently closed
following its attempt to broadcast in the capital city of Harare.
On the basis
of the aforementioned, MISA Zimbabwe regards the broadcasting industry
in Zimbabwe not only to be severely underdeveloped but, in lieu
of the current state of affairs where there is currently one broadcaster
in both fields of television and radio, not working in tandem with
the principles of promotion of freedom of expression as well as
access to information in the country. MISA Zimbabwe therefore submits
the following as the fundamental issues that need to be addressed
for the much-needed improvements in the broadcasting sector in Zimbabwe.
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