SECTOR 3 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: 2.7 (2008: 3.3; 2006:2.2) 3.10 The state/public broadcaster offers balanced and fair information in news and current affairs, reflecting the full spectrum of diverse views and opinions. Analysis: ZBC definitely does not offer balanced and fair information. Reporting is biased towards ZANU PF and the same commentators appear on air all the time – ‘experts’ or ‘analysts’ are drawn from a pool of ZANU PF sympathisers. Most of the news reports centre on the activities of government officials, mostly those belonging to ZANU PF. There is very little actual news. “It’s like watching comedy” If ZBC does a voxpop on a topical issue, reporters always pick out members of the public who all have the same views on a subject. ZBC never seems to carry opinions that are different from the official ZANU PF line. People are smart and when they realise that they will be appearing on ZBC they either say what they think should be said, will refrain from any adverse comments or simply refuse to comment. Debates on issues are one-sided and when the usual panellists get together “it’s like watching comedy”. Some of the journalists are die-hard ZANU PF loyalists. Others will write a story for ZBC with a particular slant and then write on the same event for another media (usually an online publication) with a completely different perspective. 52 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2010