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Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Stakeholders have welcomed the establishment of community radio stations, and said access needed to be widened, with Government opening up urban-based and special interest community radio stations.
In a statement at the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) yesterday, Ms Sandra Mazunga, national coordinator of the Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS), said the organisation stands in solidarity with individuals and organisations around the world who recognise the fundamental importance of access to information for the development and empowerment of communities.
Ms Mazunga said they acknowledge the significant progress made in recent years towards creating an enabling environment for community radio stations in Zimbabwe, thus ensuring that access to information was extended to rural communities.
This year the IDUAI is running under the theme: “The importance of online space for access to information”.
“We commend the Government’s efforts in granting licences to 14 community radio stations, allowing them to operate and serve their communities,” she said.
“These community radio stations have become essential platforms for the dissemination of local news, information, and cultural content, for fostering dialogue, promoting accountability, and giving marginalised voices a platform to be heard.
“However, as we commemorate this International Day for Universal Access to Information, we urge the Government to widen access to community radio broadcasting by opening up calls for urban-based and special interest community radio stations.
“While the progress made is commendable, we believe there is a lot of coordinated work to be done in ensuring that all communities have access to their own voices through community radio.
“We also urge the Government through the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services to continue working together with ZACRAS in coordinating the sector.”
Ms Mazunga implored the Government to intervene in mitigating against the ever escalating data costs by mobile service providers and ensuring that data was affordable for everyone, including rural communities.
Community radio stations would also be able to share their content via online spaces that were easily accessible.
“We also urge government to continue ensuring that all citizens, especially in rural communities enjoy unlimited access to community FM broadcasting through the provision of strong wider reach transmitters,” Ms Mazunga said.
“Therefore, we appeal to the new Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services to prioritise the licencing process for more community radio stations.
“By expanding the number of licenced community radio stations, we can bridge the information gap and ensure that communities across the country have access to a diverse range of voices, perspectives, and local content that truly reflects their needs and aspirations.
“Furthermore, we encourage the new Minister to engage in dialogue and consultation with stakeholders, including civil society organisations, community leaders, and media practitioners to develop policies and regulations that support the sustainable operation of community radio stations.
“This includes addressing challenges such as excessive licensing fees and the setting up of a broadcasting fund to assist community broadcasters.”
She said her organisation remained committed to promoting the right to access information and advocating for a vibrant and inclusive community radio landscape in Zimbabwe.
“We call upon all stakeholders to join us in our efforts to ensure that every community has the opportunity to establish and operate their own community radio stations, thereby realising their right to freedom of expression and access to information,” she said.
Online Reporter