Deputy Information minister, Jameson Timba,
in a press statement on 26 March , said the conference will include “thematic
workshops” covering media economics, media training, professional
development, gender politics and media law and regulation.
The conference comes at a time when several prospective media
operators have submitted applications for licences to launch
newspapers as stipulated by the Access to Information and Protection
of Privacy Act (Aippa).
Civil society and privately-owned media organisations have criticised
existing laws for narrowing democratic space and suffocating
media freedom.
Four “key presenters”, according to Timba, will cover
a “wide range” of issues that include the anatomy
of media laws in Zimbabwe, the role, structure and management
of public media and self-regulation.
“
Stakeholders from the private media, public media and civic society
will present position papers and recommendations on the state
of the media in Zimbabwe with particular reference to the challenges
and opportunities,” said Timba.
“
The conference represents the first consultative step by the
ministry as it reviews Zimbabwe’s media environment and
policies with a view to advising the inclusive government on
its new policy in the context of the Global Political Agreement
(GPA) and the Short-Term Emergency Recovery Programme.”
The September 15 GPA, which ushered in the inclusive government, states that “government
shall ensure the immediate processing by the appropriate authorities of all applications
for re-registration and registration in terms of both the Broadcasting Services
Act as well as Aippa”.
Representatives from media organisations such as the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists,
Misa, the Zimbabwe National Editors Forum, Media Alliance of Zimbabwe, the Media
Monitoring Project and the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe are expected to
present position papers at the conference.
The power-sharing pact also demands the termination of external “hosting
or funding” of radio stations broadcasting into Zimbabwe.
If this measure is fully implemented, the US-based Studio 7 of the Voice of America
and SW Radio which both broadcast through the shortwave band could cease coverage
on Zimbabwe.
Instead, the inclusive government “encourages” Zimbabwean media entrepreneurs
living abroad to make broadcasting applications in terms of the law.
Loughty Dube
Chairperson
MISA-Zimbabwe
84 McChlery Drive
Eastlea
Harare
Zimbabwe
Telefax: +263 4 776165/746838
Email: misa@misazim.co.zw
Website: www.misazim.co.zw
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