The report, however, notes government threats to clampdown on comments on social media and lack of diversity in the ownership of radio stations and that the content “still reflects the hand of government”. Media Sustainability Zimbabwe’s media has not been spared the viability challenges that the sector is facing globally. This is in terms of the media’s sustainability and viability due to the untenable socio-economic situation which is hurting businesses in the wake of declining revenue streams and incomes. This is ominous given the role the media plays in providing critical information to the public that assists in making informed decisions. This is even more critical at a time when the country has put in place measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Suffice to say, the nation would be plunged into darkness if the media collapses, dealing a severe blow to government’s efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and the country’s socio-economic wellbeing and democratic aspirations. It is with this in mind, that the Chairperson of MISA Zimbabwe, Golden Maunganidze, wrote to the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, pleading with government to seriously consider coming up with a Media Sustainability Bailout Rescue Package. This can be in the form of tax/duty exemptions and moratoriums (over a realistically determined period), on newsprint and other mass media production and distribution equipment. The government should also consider reducing the registration and licensing fees for media houses, as well as doing away with some of the punitive duplicitous levies and fees charged in terms of the country’s regulatory framework. These inhibitive fees are paid to the Zimbabwe Media Commission, Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe, Transmedia Corporation, Zimbabwe Music Rights Association and National Arts Council, over and above the taxes due to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. A Revolving Fund which is administered independently can also be established in that regard. 9