Media law reform and media regulation
Almost every country in the region, save for Zimbabwe, has private broadcasters. Some countries like Swaziland, Botswana, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have initiated community radio initiatives while they wait for policy and legal reforms allowing community radio licenses.
Community broadcasting
Community media is operated in the community, for the community, about the community and by the community. It is independent, free from political or commercial interference and can, therefore, facilitate public platforms for debate and discussion and promote social agendas.
The reach of community media, particularly radio, means it provides information and a platform of expression to remote, grassroots communities that may not be represented in other media. The main challenges community radio and television faces in the region are lack of legislation, regulation and infrastructure to support the establishment and licensing of community media, and the inability to sustain themselves beyond donor seed money.
Public service broadcasting
Public service broadcasting is created, financed and controlled by the public, for the public. It is neither commercial nor state-owned and is therefore free from political or commercial interference.
Public service broadcasting informs, educates and entertains. It is an essential part of a pluralistic, diverse broadcasting sector.
Media freedom news from our chapters
MISA launches second regional press freedom report
MISA has launched the second edition of the State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa report, with this year’s edition focusing on digital surveillance of journalists. The report was launched simultaneously in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe where MISA, UNESCO and the government...
Media 2022 Accreditation Fees set
The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) with the approval of the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has set the 2022 media accreditation fees. The new fees are stipulated in terms of Statutory Instrument 65 of 2022, which sets the fees in United...
State of the Media 2021 report now available!
MISA Zimbabwe would like to announce the publication of the 2021 state of the media report which takes a look at the media landscape and operating environment with regards to freedom of expression, access to information, digital rights, media sustainability and media...
Government progress update on two proposed media laws
The government is working on the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill and a Zimbabwe Media Practitioners’ Bill which it says will go a long way in democratising the media operating environment. The two proposed laws are expected to be handed over to the...
Dual accreditation inconvenient burdensome cost for media practitioners
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission recently invited applications from observers and the media for accreditation for the upcoming by-elections which should be submitted no later than 22 March 2022. The accreditation fees were set as follows: Local observers- USD10,00 or...