Government to launch Media Policy Bill soon — Deputy Minister Marupi

Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau

THE Government is set to launch the media policy bill next week in a move that aims to enhance the operations of journalists and improve sustainability for recently licensed community radio stations (CRS) across the country.

The announcement was made by Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Omphile Marupi during a working visit to Beitbridge’s community radio station, Lotsha FM, on Friday afternoon.

He emphasised the importance of creating an enabling environment for investment and effective functioning within the media industry. The Deputy Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by some newly licensed community radio stations and assured that these issues would be addressed progressively.

Community radios, he noted, play a vital role in promoting developmental issues from the grassroots level, aligning with the principles of devolution. To support this, the ministry plans to collaborate with Transmedia to install additional transmitters, thereby expanding the coverage areas of various radio stations that currently cannot reach all parts within their operational zones.

Dr Marupi highlighted that the upcoming media policy would streamline media operations and cater to the needs of CRS talent from local communities.

“We are scheduled to launch the national media policy bill on 28 May, which we believe will address key issues affecting media houses and journalists nationwide,” he stated.

He pointed out that previous laws did not adequately include community radios, as regulations primarily focused on mainstream, public and commercial broadcasters. The new policy aims to bridge this gap and ensure that community radios are integrated into the legal framework.

“In the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind, the new media policy will enable Zimbabweans to tell their stories in their own languages and ensure equal opportunities for participation in national discourse,” the Deputy Minister added.

He stressed the importance of community radios amassing sufficient content to broadcast meaningful programmes that serve their local populations. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made at most of the 14 licensed community radio stations across the country.

The licensing of CRS aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision of empowering communities and making them active participants in the nation’s development.

Dr Marupi urged communities to play an active role in defining content and addressing developmental issues pertinent to their areas.

“Lotsha FM has made significant strides since its inception a few years ago and has garnered support from various stakeholders to ensure its sustainability,” he remarked.

“It is impressive that they operate with a zero budget and I call on the corporate sector to get involved through corporate social responsibility initiatives.”

He further noted that the licensing of community radio stations has positively impacted local awareness and participation in development matters. The content broadcast by these stations should, in the long term, be integrated into national broadcasting platforms to reach a wider audience.

“So, my visit was also intended to motivate and encourage the station to think beyond Beitbridge and reach a broader national audience,” he said.

The Deputy Minister advised Lotsha FM’s management and board to consider forming partnerships that will enhance their capacity and sustainability.

Lotsha FM Station Manager, Miss Progress Moyo, reported that while the station has been performing well despite funding and operational challenges, it still struggles to extend coverage to Chiefs Tshitaudze (West) and Matibe (East).

Currently, the station’s signal reaches approximately 70 km, which excludes some communities within a district spanning at least 125km east and west.

Beitbridge West Member of Parliament, Cde Thusani Ndou, welcomed the Deputy Minister’s visit, describing it as long overdue. He expressed hope that the Government will address the major challenges faced by community radio stations.