hearings supported this provision. However, broader issues were raised, emphasising the need to safeguard the independence of the regulatory authority, ensure transparency in the issuing and transfer of licences, maintain parliamentary oversight in the appointment process of the authority’s board, engage the public in issuing additional licences to the ZBC, and establish a converged regulatory framework. Furthermore, there were calls for the inclusion of provisions that prohibit multiple ownership of licences as a mechanism to promote media diversity. Participants expressed support for amendments to Sections 8 and 10 of the Principal Act that would permit up to 40% foreign ownership of broadcasting services and ensure predictability in the issuing of licences, respectively. Provisions promoting gender equality were supported, alongside calls to further include persons with disabilities and young people in the composition of the Board. There was also backing for the expansion of the Broadcasting Fund to encompass the sustainability of community broadcasters. 2. METHODOLOGY In compiling this report, MISA Zimbabwe and MAZ had representatives who captured the key emerging and cross-cutting issues submitted by organisations and members of the public during the hearings convened by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information, Media and Broadcasting Services in accordance with Section 141 of the Constitution. A total of seven public hearings were held in Harare, Marondera, Mutare, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Bubi, and Kwekwe. These hearings were conducted under the Standing Rules and 4