‘Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill to unite nation’

Speaking at the World Radio Day commemorations held at Lyeja Community Radio in Hwange District yesterday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, in a speech delivered on his behalf by his deputy, Dr Omphile Marupi, emphasised the indispensable role of radio in bridging information gaps and empowering communities.

Blessings Chidakwa
Herald Reporter
Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Omphile Marupi who was representing the Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere during a tour of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Services today said the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill will unite the people of Zimbabwe through promoting access to truthful information.
Dr Marupi was accompanied by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, which is chaired by Mr Caston Matewu.
Speaking during the tour, Dr Omphile Marupi said: “This should leave the people united because they will have access to truthful information that is educational, informative, and allows them to engage with each other freely.
“People tend to see the media as a weapon but it should not be like that. Where we are supposed to be building, let us build,” he said.
ZBC said if passed into law, the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill will play a crucial role in improving its revenue, which will allow them to invest in high-quality broadcasting infrastructure and content production.
The State broadcaster’s board chair Ms Helliate Rushwaya said Zimbabweans should be geared for top-notch programming.
“This amendment really matters to us as the proposed amendments will expand our revenue base and ensure a steady flow of funds, which is crucial.
“With that financial stability, we will be able to invest in delivering our mandate as a public service broadcaster as we will be able to invest in high-quality broadcasting infrastructure and content production,” she said.
The Parly Committee said if the Bill is passed into law, the anticipated revenue boost for the State Broadcaster should translate into improved content.
“We also expect massive improvement from ZBC, because as you get more revenue, we expect some changes, especially in the content.
“When we went out there to meet the citizens countrywide, there were a lot of comments on ZBC content,” said Mr Matewu.
He said the Bill will be read in Parliament on Tuesday.
ZBC operates six radio stations and three television channels providing a mixture of news, current affairs, educational programming and music in Zimbabwe’s 16 official languages.