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Talent Chimutambgi-Herald Reporter
The media have been urged to operate within the dictates of the Constitution to promote the development and the realisation of the country’s national aspirations.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) chairperson Professor Ruby Magosvonge underlined the role of the media in promoting development in the country.
The breakfast meeting which was convened by the ZMC had representatives from various accredited media leaders and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) is one of the five Chapter 12 Independent Commissions whose purpose is the entrenchment of a democratic society driven by respect for the Constitution, rule of law, democracy, and human rights among other objectives.
Prof Magosvonge said the media was a vital cog in propelling developmental adding should toe the Constitution lane.
“The Commission continues to make a clarion call for the media to take stock of its role as the Fourth Estate in the development matrix of the country,” said Prof Magosvonge.
“Our Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and of the media which is a bold statement meant to ensure that the media plays its expected role without any limitations in empowering people with the relevant information for the realisation of their aspirations.
“Today’s engagement is meant to provide a platform where the media could interact with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and share some insights on how the two institutions can collaborate for the good of the country.”
Prof Magosvonge highlighted the need for the media to cultivate good relations between the police and the public, adding that some sections of the media portray a bad image of the police.
The breakfast meeting which was convened by the ZMC had representatives from various accredited media leaders and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
“Reports from our media monitoring have shown that at times, media outlets have sensationalised police operations, misrepresenting the ZRP’s actions and fueling public mistrust of the police.
“Such a scenario can lead to limited effective communication and cooperation between the two institutions, with negative consequences for both and the country,” she said.
Prof Magosvonge said a good report will instill public confidence which is a vital component to national security.
She said the media should uphold its watchdog role to bring to the fore all social ills.
“Such synergies are necessary in building some good working rapport for the good of all. We continue to urge our media industry to be professional when reporting national issues that border on the country’s security,” said Prof Magosvonge.
“The media and the police are essential pillars in the functioning of democratic societies. The media serves as a watchdog, ensuring that institutions, including law enforcement, remain accountable.
“On the other hand, the police are mandated to maintain law and order, ensuring public safety and security. In Zimbabwe, the relationship between the ZRP and the media has greatly improved owing to the ‘Open Door’ policy adopted.”
Speaking at the same occasion, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi commended journalists for covering the 2023 harmonised elections, the reports were strategically positioned to promote peace and security in the country.
Com Nyathi said the media should bring to the fore drug and substance abuse.
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi
“The media should expose the issues, drug and substance abuse since no one is spared from its effects,” said Com Nyathi.
He urged the media and the police to find each other.
“The media should interrogate misconducts on the road, so the media must address social ill. The police cannot do it alone, the media must bring to the fore all these misdemeanors,” he said.
Speaking at the same gathering, The Herald Editor, Mrs Victoria Ruzvidzo expressed concern over the existing competition between the accredited media and citizen journalists, adding sources should provide information on time to counter social media journalism.
The Herald Editor, Mrs Victoria Ruzvidzo
“We are appealing to the police and all sources to provide us with accurate information before the social media post those stories. This will counterbalance the news spread through citizen journalism,” said Mrs Ruzvidzo.
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