SECTOR 3

3.6
The editorial independence of the state/public
broadcaster from political influence is guaranteed by
law and practiced.
Analysis:

There is no legal guarantee for the editorial independence of the ZBC and in
practice the broadcaster remains a mouthpiece of ZANU PF. practised.

Scores:

Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country meets only a few aspects of indicator.

3

Country meets some aspects of indicator

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator

Average score: 			

1.0

(2008: n/a ; 2006:n/a)

3.7
The state/public broadcaster is adequately
funded in a manner that protects it from arbitrary
interference through its budget and from all commercial
pressure.
Analysis:

The ZBC depends wholly on revenue from license fees paid by owners of radio
and/or television sets in their homes, businesses and/or vehicles as well as income
from advertisements. The last time the corporation received a subsidy from the
state was in 2005.
Not everyone is willing (or able) to pay license fees. Collectors often go door to
door in suburbs and city centres to enforce payment. Police at road blocks control
whether cars carry stickers on their front screens to prove payment.
The income from advertisements and sponsorships now stands at about half of
total revenue, making it necessary for the broadcaster to create a programme
which is conducive to selling airtime rather than serving the public interest.

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2010

49

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