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Radio VOP director scoops press freedom award
MISA-Zimbabwe
July 01, 2013
John Masuku,
the executive director with Radio
Voice of the People (VoP) is the winner of MISA- Zimbabwe’s
Press Freedom Award for 2013.
The award was
presented at MISA-Zimbabwe’s annual general meeting held in
Bulawayo on 29 June 2013.
The award is
presented in honor and recognition of an individual or institution
that would have played a significant role in the defence and promotion
of media freedom, freedom of expression and the right to access
to information.
Commitment in
the defence and promotion of media freedom is demonstrated through
media reportage, opinion pieces or lobby work for media reforms
in Zimbabwe. Individuals or institutions that demonstrate journalism
excellence in their pursuit of the truth through professional and
ethical reportage, are also eligible for nomination.
Excellence in
journalism is determined through the upholding of ethics of the
profession at all costs as well as relentless pursuit of truth behind
the bare facts.
Other nominees
included ZiFM’s Supa Mandiwanzira, veteran broadcast journalist
Tapfuma Machakaire, and Masvingo-based freelance journalist Golden
Maunganidze.
Presenting the
award, MISA-Zimbabwe Trustee Chris Chinaka, noted Masuku’s
immense contribution in raising the professional standards of journalism
through lecturing, mentorship and gender mainstreaming in the media.
“He (Masuku)
seemed shy and surprised that anyone had noted his work,”
said Chinaka.
On receiving
the award Masuku said he was excited and humbled as he did not expect
to receive anything for his work.
“When
we do our work we do not expect to receive any award. I am very
excited and humbled to receive the MISA Press Freedom award,”
he said.
Masuku was cited
for the award for continuing to weather the storm in his quest for
a diversified broadcasting sector in Zimbabwe despite being vilified
for operating what the authorities refer to as a ‘pirate radio
station’.
Together with
his board members, John has been incarcerated for operating Radio
VOP without a licence in terms of the Broadcasting
Services Act.
He has nonetheless
soldiered on providing alternative voices and views on Zimbabwe’s
socio-economic and political dynamics.
Masuku has thus
been a vital cog in lobbying for media reforms in Zimbabwe.
Visit
the MISA-Zimbabwe fact
sheet
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