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Liberalisation of airwaves only key to democracy
Movement for Democratic Change
November 12, 2010

The announcement by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Media, Information and Publicity George Charamba that the government has no intention of issuing broadcasting licences to private players represents a manifestation of the tentacles of the dictatorship beast. Charamba's statements before the Media, Information and Communication Technology parliamentary portfolio committee are a reflection of his party's dictatorial tendencies which the people of Zimbabwe will do away with in the next elections.

The assertions by Charamba are signs of Zanu PF's allergic reactions to reforms. Media reforms are inevitable, they are by public demand. Zanu PF wants to refuse these reforms and continue with its propaganda agenda on its failed policies and rampant corruption that is now in the public domain. By maintaining the status quo and denying the entry of private broadcasters, Charamba and his masters are desperately trying to prop-up Zanu PF's declining grip through the airwaves ahead of elections expected next year. While Charamba admits that there are no clear regulations on political advertising, ZBC is churning out Zanu PF propaganda, bordering on hate language hourly while advertisements of national interests such as the Constitution - making process have denied space.

The Zanu PF jingles being played for free are fanning divisions and peddling hate language. Whereas Charamba asserts that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) regulates advertising in the election period, the jingles are overtly campaigning for a single political party and its leader at a time when there are no elections in the country. The jingles are being played contrary to provisions of Article 19.1(e) of the GPA which clearly stipulates that the public and private media should refrain from using abusive language that may incite political intolerance or that unfairly undermines political parties and other organisations.

The GPA which in fact is the supreme law of the country advocates that the public media should provide balanced and fair coverage to all political parties for their legitimate political activities. The MDC urgently calls upon the progressive elements in the inclusive government to prevail over the dark forces of dictatorship. The MDC stands for the liberalisation of the airwaves, and believes in an environment that offers people access to information, education and entertainment. Zimbabweans need a plural and diverse media so that the industrious citizens of this country can make well - informed choices on matters that affect their lives.

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