SECTOR 2 2.2 The public access to domestic and international media sources is not restricted by state authorities There are no restrictions to domestic and international media sources. Many viewers in Zimbabwe watch DSTV channels or free-to-air channels from South Africa. Overseas newspapers can also be freely accessed online. 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: Score of previous years: ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 4.4 2006: 1.2; 2008: 2.8; 2010: 2.3; 2012: 2.8; 2015: 3.6 2.3 The editorial independence of print and online media published by a public authority is protected adequately against undue political interference Over 20 newspapers are owned by Zimpapers, who also own an online radio and television station (ZTN). Although it is a ‘public company’, the fact is that the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services is ultimately in control of Zimpapers. In practice, it is, therefore, a heavily state-controlled establishment and this control encroaches on editorial independence. One editor was allegedly ‘fired by the [former] First Lady’, and there seems to be regular coverage of stories concerning the First Lady or Vice President. ‘That is the extent of editorial capture.’ However, a contrary view was expressed that the placing of stories at Zimpapers is always the prerogative of the editor, and the reality on the ground is that very few ministers would interfere in the running of a newspaper. 20 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2020