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Trust Freddy–Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe today joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Press Freedom Day, with Government reiterating its commitment towards the eradication of polarisation in the media through constructive engagements.
This year’s celebrations are being held under the theme: “A Press for the planet: Journalism in the face of the environmental crisis”.
The theme focuses on the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environment crisis.
In a statement yesterday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere said the Government was working on creating a free and safe environment for media practitioners to carry out their professional duties.
“As we commemorate this important day, I am pleased to say that the Government of Zimbabwe is amending the Zimbabwe Media Commission Act and the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act. Also, the Media Practitioners Bill is under consideration.
“The amendments will professionalise, allow the independence and co-regulation of the media sector, and ensure growth and development of the media industry.
“We are also celebrating a major milestone achieved in the broadcasting sector, which has witnessed the operationalisation of all 14 licenced community radio stations which are broadcasting in vernacular languages,” he said.
The Second Republic guaranteed a secure and sustainable media future that respects freedom of expression, media plurality and gender equality.
“The Second Republic under the astute leadership of His Excellency President Dr ED Mnangagwa has made tremendous progress in the creation of an enabling environment in the media sector.
“The Second Republic has made significant progress in ensuring a safe, free and competitive operating environment for all media to thrive. This was done through the enactment of media-friendly laws and repealing of laws that impinged on media operations such as the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).
“This led to the opening up of airwaves for both radio and television, thus ensuring media diversity which resonates well with His Excellency, President Dr ED Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.”
In light of climate change, Dr Muswere urged the media to report accurately on environmental issues.
“The world is faced with climate change, biodiversity loss and air pollution crisis and disinformation and misinformation about these pertinent issues can exacerbate them.
“I implore the media to report objectively on environmental issues and possible solutions. As we celebrate World Press Freedom today, I want to assure you that The Second Republic will continue to work towards eradication of polarisation through constructive engagements with the media.”
The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC), along with stakeholders has developed a sexual harassment policy for the sector which would eliminate sexual harassment in the media houses.
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference.
Since then, May 3, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.
This highlights the important role played by the media in the accessing and dissemination of information.
Online Reporter