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: 			

2.0

(2008: 1.7; 2006:1.4)

3.12 Community broadcasting enjoys special
promotion given its potential to broaden access by
communities to the airwaves.
Analysis:

There is no special consideration or concession made for community broadcasting.
The Minister of Media, Information and Publicity, Webster Shamu (ZANU
PF), defines community radio solely as serving special interests and not – as is
the case in the Southern African region – mainly as a service owned and run by
communities which are either geographically based or share a common interest
(e.g. religion). If the minister’s definition becomes the accepted version he will
be able to fulfil his desire of issuing licences to stations focusing solely on, for
example, weather or agriculture.
Even though licences are not being issued by the BAZ, a total of eight community
radio initiatives have been established.
While most of these loosely formed but determined groups struggle with severe
financial constraints, a few have been given funds by donor organisations. With
these resources they carry out outreach programmes in their communities and
compile material that is then packaged onto CDs or DVDs and sent out to
organisations. Brochures are put together to create awareness around community
broadcasting and road-shows are held once in a while featuring live simulated
broadcasts, also recorded on CD.

54

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2010

Select target paragraph3