Information Ministry, Parly Portfolio tours ZMC, ZBC

Functions of the ZMC
The tour will start at the ZMC, which is one of the five Chapter 12 Independent Commissions whose purpose is the entrenchment of a democracy in society.
Section 249 of the Constitution spells out the functions of the Commission as follows:

 To uphold, promote and develop freedom of the media;

 To promote and enforce good practices and ethics in the media;

 To monitor broadcasting in the public interest and, in particular, to ensure fairness and diversity of views broadly representing the Zimbabwean society;

 To encourage the formulation of codes of conduct for persons employed in the media and, where no such code exists, to formulate and enforce one;

 To receive and consider complaints from the public and, where appropriate, to take action against journalists and other persons employed in the media or broadcasting who are found to have breached any law or any code of conduct applicable to them;

 To ensure that the people of Zimbabwe have fair and wide access to information;

 To encourage the use and development of all the officially recognised languages of Zimbabwe;

 To encourage the adoption of new technology in the media and in the dissemination of information;

 To promote fair competition and diversity in the media; and

 To conduct research into issues relating to freedom of the press and of expression, and in that regard to promote reforms in the law.

Sexual harassment in media sector to be flushed out: ZMC
The ZMC has said it is committed to eliminating sexual harassment in the media industry to ensure that it remains a friendly space for all.
Speaking during the tour this morning, ZMC chairperson Professor Ruby Magosvonge said sexual harassment in the media is being dealt with.

Prof Magosvongwe

“Sexual harassment is a cancer in the media industry. I will work with players in the industry to make the workplace more friendly,” she said.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Dr Omphile Marupi and Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services chair, Mr Caston Matewu are leading the tour.

Source: Constitution of Zimbabwe

ZMC critical in promoting freedom of expression’
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has said the ZMC should continue playing its pivotal role to ensure that freedom of expression is guaranteed as enshrined by the Constitution.
Speaking during the tour of the ZMC premises this morning, the committee’s chairperson Mr Caston Matewu said the purpose of the tour was to familiarise with the Commission’s operations.

“Today we are not here to talk much but we are glad that it’s the committee’s first time to come and familiarise with the institution.
“The ZMC plays an integral role in satisfying freedom of expression and access to information as enshrined in the national Constitution.”

Information Ministry, Parly Portfolio tours ZBC
The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media toured the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation this morning.
Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Omphile Marupi who was representing the Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere led the tour.

Dr Marupi was accompanied by the chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Caston Matewu.
Among ZBC’s top officials that were present was board chair Ms Helliate Rushwaya.
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.

Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill to boost ZBC revenue
ZBC has 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.
Speaking during the tour, ZBC 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.

ZBC revenue boost should translate into improved programming: Parly
If the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill is passed into law, the anticipated revenue boost for the State Broadcaster should translate into improved content, Parliament has said.
Speaking during the tour, Parliamentary Portfolio Committee chairperson Mr Caston Matewu said the Bill will be read in Parliament on Tuesday.

“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,” he said.

‘Bill to unite nation’
The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has said the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill will unite the people of Zimbabwe through promoting access to truthful information.
Speaking during a tour of ZBC, Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services 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.