admin
Ivan Zhakata–Herald Correspondent
The transformation of Zimbabwe into an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society by 2030 hinges a lot on a responsible and objective media that puts the national interest above everything else, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa has said.
Speaking at the first anniversary of 3Ktv yesterday, Minister Mutsvangwa said Government saw the media as a critical partner in image building, engagement and re-engagement.
“We expect the media to be knowledgeable and become the true light bearer of our society by reporting on issues from an informed perspective,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa also encouraged the media to desist from fake and sensational news that harm the country and the President’s re-engagement efforts.
“Improvement of access to information, freedom of information and the participation of local communities in information dissemination is our top priority as a Ministry,” she said.
“Support will be given to the media to ensure that they carry out their work unimpeded in a peaceful working environment. After all, access to information and freedom of expression are guaranteed by our Constitution.
“There is so much development that Government is championing and all that needs the media to disseminate it to the citizenry. It is the media that creates the awareness and highlights the milestones so that the world can know that it is not only doom in Zimbabwe but that a lot of positivity is oozing.”
She also urged the media to respect the division of labour and be mindful of the fact that it was the sum total of people’s efforts that will make the country great.
“You will recall that the New Dispensation, under the astute leadership of His Excellency, President ED Mnangagwa instituted sweeping media reforms upon assuming office in 2018 to reflect its new thinking and direction,” Minister Mutsvangwa said.
“We sought to deal with polarisation that had entrenched itself in the media and we went from being a closed door Government to an open door policy one with massive improvement in our relations and engagement with the media including your stable. I encourage you all to take advantage of this open-door policy as we build our nation together, brick by brick.
“Our broadcasting industry has come of age and the success of 3Ktv and others will make the creative sector a vibrant and growing employment sector. As you know, Vision 2030 is all about attaining a certain level of household income which improves the quality of life of those families.”
Jester Media Services group is the owner of 3Ktv, and chief executive officer Mr Pilate Machadu said they were humbled to celebrate the first anniversary of the station
“3Ktv has changed the broadcasting landscape in the country. Our viewers astounded by the variety of programmes we offer at 3Ktv.
” We would also want to applaud the Government and the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services for opening up airwaves in the broadcasting industry. The coming in of the TV channel has also helped in employment creation in the media industry.”
Online Reporter