SECTOR 3

Broadcasting regulation is transparent
and independent; the state broadcaster
is transformed into a truly public
broadcaster.
3.1
Broadcasting legislation has been passed
and is implemented that provides for a conducive
environment for public, commercial and community
broadcasting.
Analysis:
The Broadcasting Services Act 2001 (BSA) provides for commercial and
community radio but in practice the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation
maintains its monopoly over the airwaves.
The BSA creates a Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ), appointed by the
President and de facto under the control of the Ministry of Media, Information and
Publicity. This authority has the responsibility to issue licences for broadcasting.
To date not a single radio and television license has been granted.
Article 19.1 of the “Global Political Agreement” (GPA) concluded by the political
parties in September 2008 states
that the 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 the Access to Information and
Protection of Privacy Act …
Quite a number of applications for radio licenses have been received. The BAZ,
however, is not operational as appointments for a new board of the authority,
announced by the Minister of Media, Information and Publicity in September
2009, have been challenged.

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AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2010

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