Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa and Munyaradzi Musiiwa
The Broadcasting Services Bill, which makes it mandatory for motorists to first buy a radio licence before acquiring insurance cover, will be tabled in Parliament next Tuesday.
Only those with an exemption from the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, which receives the licence money, will be spared, including those without a radio receiver.
Further, plans are afoot to have a single synchronised disc incorporating radio, Zinara and insurance licences.
This was revealed during a tour of ZBC and Zimbabwe Media Commission premises by the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media.
Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Omphile Marupi was representing the Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, accompanied by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services chaired by Caston Matewu.
Chairperson Matewu said they thought it would be good if they engaged ZBC as a broadcaster and also hear from members of Parliament, some of their concerns, as they go through this Bill.
“Today we came here because we wanted to have this engagement with ZBC. So today is not about just trivialisation, but its wanting to hear your views because as you currently know, before Parliament is the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill.
“It is going to be read on Tuesday for the second reading of the Bill. After which debate will commence by Tuesday.
“As you know, the Bill makes a right number of proposals that it seeks to change the broadcasting sector,” he said.
Legislator Matewu said they want ZBC to prosper.
“As you know, the digitalisation project was initially appropriated ZIG30 million. But through our intervention, the last budget is now almost ZIG200 million. That is there for the digitalisation programme,” he said.
As for the Zimbabwe Media Commission, legislator Matewu said the ZMC plays an integral role in satisfying freedom of expression and access to information as enshrined in the national Constitution.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Dr Omphile Marupi said good laws will ensure good governance.
“Our purpose is to improve the working conditions of the media and when we talk of the working conditions, we are talking of the law.
“The law helps us to ensure good governance. We cannot talk of good governance with the law not being adhered to,” he said.
As for ZMC, Deputy Minister Marupi assured that Government is committed to ensure improvement of working conditions for the media mostly the laws that govern the trade. He said good law helped on good governance.
“The purpose really is to improve the working conditions of the media fraternity and when we are talking of the working conditions, we are talking of the law of course.
“The law helps us to really talk of good governance. We cannot talk of good governance without the law being adhered to,” said the Deputy Minister.
ZBC board chair Helliate Rushwaya assured that citizens should be geared for top-notch programming.
“This amendment really matters to us, as we see, as the proposed amendments will expand our revenue base and ensure a steady flow of funds that is crucial, as they seek financial stability.
“And with this stability, we will be able to invest in delivering our public service broadcasting mandate, to make sure that we include investing in high quality broadcasting infrastructure and content production,” she said.
ZMC chairperson Professor Ruby Magosvonge said sexual harassment in the media is being dealt with.
“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.
