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
Election observer missions’ findings on Zimbabwe elections
In a preliminary statement released in Harare on 25 August 2023, the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) noted that some aspects of Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections fell short of the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Electoral Act, and the SADC...
Journalists urgent application referred to ordinary court roll
Today (Tuesday 22 August 2023), High Court of Zimbabwe Judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi referred to the ordinary court roll the urgent chamber application in which the Young Journalists Association of Zimbabwe (YOJA) was seeking an order compelling the Zimbabwe Electoral...
MEDIA PROFESSIONALISM AND ACCOUNTABILITY DURING ELECTIONS
MISA ZIMBABWE FACT SHEET Introduction Election periods throughout the world impose immense responsibility on the media to provide the public with accurate information that will enable the electorate to make informed decisions and choices when they eventually cast...
ZBC publishes elections broadcasting schedule
The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) has published the broadcasting schedule outlining how airtime will be allocated to different political parties during the upcoming general elections. The schedule was published in The Herald of Friday, 28 July 2023, and...
Media freedom critical pillar of free and fair elections
Political parties and candidates in Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections have an immense responsibility to promote the rights of journalists and the media to operate without hindrance, as this will ensure access to diverse information for informed choices and decisions....