Chronicle Editor
By Online Reporter
WITH Parliament gathering public views on the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill, the Zimbabwe African National Congress (ZANC) believes the legislation will promote plurality of voices while enhancing the country’s democracy.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services is conducting a nationwide drive to collect public opinions on the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill.
The hearings commenced in Harare on Monday. On Thursday, a hearing will be held in Bulawayo from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Rainbow Hotel, while another will take place in Bubi, Matabeleland North, on Friday at the local community hall.
The public is encouraged to actively participate in this process.
One of the clauses in the bill stipulates that motorists will be required to pay radio licences before renewing their vehicle licences.
The bill aims to align the Broadcasting Services Act with the 2013 Constitution.
In a statement, ZANC President Mr Timothy Mncube expressed his party’s full support for the amendments to the broadcasting act.
“As a party committed to promoting democracy, transparency, and accountability, we believe that this bill is a significant step towards modernising our broadcasting sector. The amendments will not only bring our laws in line with the Constitution but also ensure that our broadcasting services are regulated in a manner that promotes diversity, inclusivity, and freedom of expression,” said Mr Mncube.
He noted that the bill would empower the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) to regulate and manage broadcasting services for sustainability rather than control.
“This is a welcome development that will create a more enabling environment for broadcasters to operate. Furthermore, the bill’s requirement for the National Broadcaster to air 75 per cent local content is a positive step towards promoting our cultural heritage and supporting local talent. The provision for licensees with sports channels to broadcast 50 per cent local sports content is also a commendable incentive for the development of local sports,” he said.
Mr Mncube urged citizens to support the bill, which he said would transform Zimbabwe’s broadcasting landscape.
“We believe that the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill 2024 is a critical piece of legislation that will help to transform our broadcasting sector. We urge all stakeholders to support this bill and work together to ensure its swift passage into law,” said Mr Mncube.
“The ZANC is committed to working with all stakeholders to promote a more democratic, transparent, and accountable broadcasting sector. We believe that this bill is a significant step towards achieving this goal.”
He also expressed support for the clause that compels motorists to pay for radio licences before vehicle registration.
“As ZANC, we acknowledge that the issue of radio licences has been a contentious one, and we understand the concerns of citizens regarding the proposed requirement to pay radio licences before vehicle licensing. However, we believe that the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill 2024 aims to ensure that the broadcasting sector is adequately funded to provide quality services to the public,” he said.
Mr Mncube added that the payment of radio licences would promote the sustainability of the broadcasting sector.
“That being said, we also recognise that the timing and sequencing of the payment of radio licences versus vehicle licensing may need to be revisited. We urge the relevant authorities to engage in further consultations with stakeholders, including citizens, to find a solution that balances the need to fund the broadcasting sector with the financial burdens on citizens,” said Mr Mncube.
“Ultimately, as ZANC, we believe that the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill 2024 is a step in the right direction towards promoting a more vibrant and diverse broadcasting sector in Zimbabwe. However, we also acknowledge that there may be teething issues that need to be addressed, and we are committed to working with all stakeholders to find solutions that benefit all Zimbabweans.”
– @nqotshili
Online Reporter