2.3

Efforts are undertaken to increase the scope of circulation of the print
media particularly to rural communities.

ANALYSIS:
Due to a severe shortage of newsprint and fuel for transport there are presently no such efforts.
The NGO Africa Community Publishing and Development is being hampered in its attempts
to distribute books in rural areas by restrictions imposed by local authorities.
SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

2.4

1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1
1.0
(2006 = 1.3)

Broadcasting legislation has been passed and is implemented that
provides for a conducive environment for public, commercial and
community broadcasting.

ANALYSIS:
On paper the Broadcasting Services Act 2001 (BSA) provides for commercial and community radio but in practice Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings maintains its monopoly over the
airwaves. The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe created through the Act and appointed by
and under the control of the Minister of Information, with the responsibility to issue licences
for broadcasting, has not granted any licence since it was launched.
Applications were submitted in 2006 to set up community radio stations but none have been
approved.
Of all pieces of media legislation in Zimbabwe, BSA is the most restrictive. Through the BSA
the state is able to place restrictions on ownership, structure and even content.
All broadcasters ever to be granted a license will be required to set aside one hour per week
for government programmes. For community broadcasters, there is a prohibition against
broadcasting material of a political matter and this is loosely defined as “including the policy
launch of a political party.”
SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

2.5

1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1
1.1
(2006 = 1.0)

Community broadcasting enjoys special promotion given its potential
to broaden access by poor and rural communities.

Community broadcasting is non-existent in Zimbabwe.
SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

So This Is Democracy? 2008

1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1
1.0
(2006 = 1.0)

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Media Institute of Southern Africa

Select target paragraph3