Way Forward in 2022 • The outstanding Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill should be benchmarked on the principles of the African Charter on Broadcasting to secure a regulatory framework that stimulates the growth, sustainability and editorial independence of the broadcasting industry. • The proposed Zimbabwe Media Practitioners Bill should encompass the media industry’s input into the draft that was compiled by media players through the nationwide consultative processes for effective co-regulation of the media. • The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe should ensure that the Media Development Fund is channelled towards the viability and sustainability of community radio stations as they are the heartbeat of development and democracy at community and grassroots levels. • Ensure diversity in the languages used to disseminate Covid-19 related information to ensure all Zimbabweans are included in discussions on the pandemic and other related developments. Steps should thus be taken to ensure daily Covid updates are in all the official languages of Zimbabwe. • There is a need to escalate training and awareness programmes to familiarise both citizens and public institutions with the Freedom of Information Act and the freedom of information regulations. • As mentioned in our 2020 State of the Media Report, the government should seriously consider coming up with a Media Sustainability Bailout Rescue Package. This can be in the form of tax/duty exemptions and moratoriums (over a realistically determined period), on newsprint and other mass media production and distribution equipment. • Laws such as the Censorship and Entertainment Controls Act, Official Secrets Act, sections of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Interception of Communications Act, among others, should be reviewed and aligned with the Constitution. • Any proposed new laws should be in line with domestic constitutional provisions, regional and international best practices. 22