Online Reporter
Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter
WORLD Bank Group Division Director Mr Firas Raad has expressed satisfaction with the operations at the Zimbabwe Newspapers Group after touring the integrated media organisation’s modern newsroom and interacting with journalists and other staff in Harare.
Mr Raad said the visit had given him a better appreciation of the work involved in disseminating information to the public through television, radio, print and online platforms.
“I think this visit really gave me, or I’m leaving with, a very good impression of what this operation is all about and what’s involved in trying to get the messaging out, whether it’s through TV or radio or print,” he said.
“It’s really great to see everybody trying to fulfil that role. So I’m really glad to be here and interact with everyone. Keep up the good work.”
The visit also highlighted the importance of communication between Government, the media, development partners and the public in advancing national development.
Zimpapers Head of News Lawson Mabhena said Mr Raad’s visit was significant for the media industry, particularly his interaction with journalists and tour of the modern newsroom and Super Desk.
“Welcoming Mr Firas Raad to Zimpapers was inspiring. His engagement with our newsroom and Super Desk reinforces the important role of media in shaping development conversations across the countries he superintends — Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe,” he said.
Editor of The Herald, Victoria Ruzvidzo, said it was important for Zimbabwe to maintain a strong relationship with the World Bank, particularly through effective communication.
“Effective communication is key in the development matrix and our new newsroom and the digital first approach reflects that,” she said.
Ruzvidzo said the visit gave Mr Raad an opportunity to understand how Zimpapers operates, including its modern newsroom, how journalists receive real-time feedback on their stories and how the organisation covers development issues.
“He was able to see how we operate, the feedback that we get in our stories, real-time feedback,” she said.
Ruzvidzo said the media had a critical role to play in communicating development issues to various stakeholders, including ordinary citizens, policymakers, the private sector and development partners such as the World Bank.
She said the media needed to remain abreast of developments in the global economy to effectively communicate important issues to its audiences.
She welcomed the engagement with Mr Raad, expressing hope that it would lead to continued interaction between Zimpapers and the World Bank.
Ruzvidzo said sustained engagement would result in a better and deeper understanding of issues by all stakeholders, hence increased development.
communication and contribute to better understanding among the media, Government, development partners and the public.
