malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE media should resist the temptation to sensationalise the fight against corruption, as it risks misinforming the public and the world at large, as well as undermining efforts to eliminate the scourge, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.
Speaking at the 2024 ZACC Anti-Corruption Media Awards ceremony in the capital on Friday, Minister Muswere said misinformation and disinformation have the adverse effect of eroding public confidence.
“I therefore appeal to media practitioners to resist the temptation of sensationalising the fight against corruption and, in the process, misinforming the public and the world at large,” he said.
“Sensationalised representations of the anti-corruption drive undermine the country’s efforts of eliminating graft by 2030. Moreover, misinformation and disinformation do not only erode public confidence on the institutions entrusted with the responsibility to lead the fight, but also the credibility of the media industry.”
In journalism, he said, facts form the foundation of every story.
“Facts are sacrosanct and are what distinguish professional media practitioners from citizen journalists.”
He also emphasised that the media are watchdogs of the society, whose anti-corruption reporting was necessary to foster integrity in both public and private sectors.
“Through the combined efforts, we are confident that we will soon have an informed citizenry willing to take part in combating corruption,” Minister Muswere said.
“I encourage journalists to also make a public commitment to act with integrity in the professional and private spheres.
“It is important for journalists to uphold the normative roles of the media with unrelenting commitment. As we all know, the media serve to inform and educate citizens, thereby shaping national perceptions.”
Government, he added, was preoccupied with building a positive national image that is hinged on honesty, integrity and a media that is beyond reproach.
The Zimbabwe Media Commission Amendment Bill is now seeking to standardise training in journalism and mass communication, thereby entrenching professionalism.
Government is also in the process of establishing effective policies and supportive legislative frameworks to ensure dependable conduct and operations by the media.
“To this end, the Second Republic is cultivating an enabling environment by setting in motion the amendment of the Zimbabwe Media Commission Act, the Broadcasting Services Act and introduction of the Media Practitioners Bill.
“These legislative reforms are aimed at safeguarding both the freedom of the media and professional integrity, which are key tenets for democratic processes.”
The Sunday Mail reporter Veronica Gwaze emerged as the biggest winner, as she received the Anti-Corruption Reporter of the Year award.
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