Media freedom, independence and diversity
MISA advocates for media law reform and institutional and policy changes that further an independent, pluralistic and sustainable three-tier system of broadcasting as as outlined in the African Charter on Broadcasting.
The three-tier system means having community, public and commercial broadcasting that provide content for local, regional and national audiences. Such as system enhances diversity and can help combat the domination of state broadcasters and the exclusion of minority voices.
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
Policy Brief: Addressing The Gaps In The Data Protection, Privacy And Surveillance Legislation (Now Available!)
Executive Summary Zimbabwe has various pieces of legislation that affect data protection, privacy, and surveillance. The relevant pieces of legislation regarding data protection and privacy include, but are not limited to, the Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter...
Open Letter to the AU Heads of State and Government on the Endorsed Continental AI Strategy and African Digital Compact
Date: 22 July 2024 Your Excellencies, 1. This open letter is produced in response to the statement made on 17 June 2024 by the African Union Commission announcing the endorsement of the Continental Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and African Digital Compact by...
Condolence message on the passing on of journalist Lucy Yasini
The passing of senior journalist Lucy Yasini will undoubtedly create a void in the number of female journalists who report from the ‘frontlines’ in the otherwise male-dominated Zimbabwean media landscape. Yasini was always in the thick of things, toe-to-toe with her...
MISA Regional 2023 Annual Report (Now Available!!!)
Expression in the Age of Fragmentation The world is more fragmented today than ever. Strife is more pronounced at a global scale, with conflicts degenerating to armed conflict. The number of people living in fragile states is perpetually on the increase, while more...
MISA ZIMBABWE 2023 STATE OF THE MEDIA REPORT (Now Available!!!)
Introduction The United Nations Plan of Action on The Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity is anchored on four fundamental pillars of Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnerships. With these four pillars in mind, MISA Zimbabwe accelerated and...