SECTOR 3

3.11 The state/public broadcaster offers as much diverse
and creative local content as economically achievable.
Television programme schedules are characterised by repeats. Some attempts to
produce new local material have been fairly successful – programmes like Studio
263, The Gentleman or Dzavanhu – but they are not enough to make a real
difference.
On radio it is easier to offer local content - across the four stations there is news,
music, educational programming, celebrity news and other programmes.

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:

2.4 (2010:2.0; 2008:1.7; 2006:1.4)

3.12 Community broadcasting enjoys special promotion by the government given its potential to broaden
access by communities to the airwaves.
There is no special consideration or concession made for community broadcasting.
The Broadcasting Services Act defines community broadcasting as “a free to air
radio or television broadcasting service, not operated for profit or as part of a
profit making enterprise, which provides programmes for community purposes
and is capable of being received by commonly available equipment, does not
broadcast programmes or advertisements on behalf of any political party …”.
So far, the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe has not invited applications for
community radio stations, although there are several community radio initiatives
in the country ready to start going on air as soon as licences are granted.

46

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2012

Select target paragraph3