SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

3.3

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

The body regulates broadcasting in the public interest and ensures
fairness and a diversity of views broadly representing society at large.

ANALYSIS:
It is difficult to judge the new broadcasting authority as it has not been appointed yet, but the lack
of transparency in the appointments procedure and the lack of independence of board members
are likely to compromise the work of the body. If the previous record of BAZ is anything to
go by, in particular the fact that it did not issue a single licence, there is clearly no regard for
the public interest in general and no attempt to ensure either fairness or a diversity of views.
SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

3.4

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

The body’s decisions on licensing in particular are informed by a
broadcasting policy developed in a transparent and inclusive manner.

ANALYSIS:
There is no formal broadcasting policy in place. BAZ works behind closed doors and is shielded
from any public scrutiny.
SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

3.5

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

The public broadcaster is accountable to the public through a board
representative of society at large and selected in an independent, open
and transparent manner.

ANALYSIS:
The board of the holding company Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings (ZBH is appointed solely
by the Minister of Information, without any public input.
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)

-270-

Media Institute of Southern Africa

Select target paragraph3