‘Media liberalised to also create jobs’

Sunday Mail Correspondent

GOVERNMENT has liberalised the media sector to make way for new players and diverse voices while creating employment opportunities and universal access to information, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana has said.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Director of Media Services in the Ministry, Mr George Chisoko, at the Christian College of Southern Africa (CCOSA) Journalism School graduation ceremony in Harare yesterday, Mr Mangwana said the graduation had come at a time Government had instituted sweeping reforms in the media. While media plurality in the country is designed to increase citizens’ access to information and enhance information dissemination, he said, Government also views it as an avenue for job creation.

“We have licensed 14 community radio stations and seven campus radio stations across the country. Out of the 14 language-based community radio stations, Avuxeni of Chiredzi and Nyangani FM of Nyanga are now operational, while others are at varying stages of development.

“In addition, we have licensed six private commercial television stations and out of these, 3Ktv and ZTN Prime are already broadcasting on air on the MultiChoice platform. When all the licensed players go live on air, it means more job opportunities for you, our graduates.”

He said Government has promulgated the Freedom of Information Act to guarantee freedom of expression.

“We engaged the media fraternity and repealed the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and replaced it with the Freedom of Information Act, which provides enhanced access to information and freedom of the press,” he said.

Currently, the Government is seized with the Media Practitioners Bill (MPB), which embraces the principle of co-regulation.

“Co-regulation is one way of ensuring that the media is democratically held accountable without fear of violence or any harm to media personnel. The MPB will encompass media accreditation of journalists and a framework for disciplining media practitioners who would have breached a code of conduct applicable to them.”

Mr Mangwana said the role played by the media should never be taken for granted as it is invaluable in the governance matrix of the country.