ZMC calls on journalists to accredit on time

 

Godfrey Majonga said the accreditation of journalists would commence on Monday and ends on January 31.

Mass media service providers operating without registration are also required to regularise their status within the same period.

The accreditation process would be held at the Media Centre, Rainbow Towers Grounds in Harare.
Mr Majonga said a penalty fee would be charged for accredited journalists who fail to renew their accreditation status by the stipulated date.

Late renewal fee for accreditation is US$1 per day while for registration is US$10.00
The situation is the same with registered mass media service providers.

“There is no deadline or penalties for new applications either for registration as mass media services or accreditation as journalists,” Mr Majonga said.

“The ZMC is aware of the difficulties mass media service providers have been facing during the past years due to the harsh economic conditions.

“This notwithstanding, all registered mass media service providers should have paid their 2010 statutory levy for them to be able to renew their certificates or accredit journalists working under them.”

Mr Majonga said all foreign publications circulating in the country and whose editorial content is targeted at Zimbabwe should register with the Commission.

“Local agents responsible for the distribution of such publications in Zimbabwe should approach the Commission offices for registration,” he said.

It is an offence for mass media service providers and journalists to operate without authority from the Commission. Application fee for mass media houses is US$500 while the registration is US$2 000. Renewal fee for mass media houses is US$1 500. News agencies pay US$300 in application fees. Registration is US$1 500 while renewal costs S$1 000.

Local journalists would be required to part with US$10 application fee and a US$30 accreditation fee. Renewal accreditation fee for local journalists is US$20.

Local journalists working for foreign media would pay US$100 application fee, US$400 for accreditation and US$300 renewal fee. Sadc media representatives would pay a US$500 application fee and US$2 000 for permission to operate.