SECTOR 2 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: ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 2.2 2006: n/a; 2008: n/a; 2010: 1.3; 2012: 2.2; 2015: 2.3 2.8 All media fairly represent the diversity of voices of society The voices of people living with disabilities are not fairly represented. What is seen or read in the news media are predominantly ‘marketing stories’ – stories that promote the agenda of a particular organisation. In mainstream news, there is little content concerning those with disabilities; , and even politicians tasked with dealing with issues of disability, are reluctant to address those specific issues. There are also no entertainment programmes featuring those with disabilities. Even training facilities face challenges, and most are not friendly to those with disabilities. The University of Zimbabwe was highlighted for having established a unit that creates braille notes and examination papers for those with visual challenges. It is common to have other voices speak ‘on behalf of’ minorities, but the minorities themselves are not heard. Although newspapers have held meetings with the deaf community, for instance, the challenge is that society as a whole looks down on people with disabilities, and they are not given a platform to express their views. It is ‘a work in progress.’ Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) issues are never positively covered (specifically by the ZBC). Due mainly to comments that have been made on LGBTIQ issues by the former president, this community continues “suffering in silence.” Additionally, in terms of reporting on LGBTIQ communities, there is an issue of stereotyping, and often inappropriate or offensive language is used to describe these minority groups. Some newspapers will sensationalise these issues. One example is the recent coverage focusing on male prostitutes in Bulawayo, which failed to address the issue of lack of rights of male sex workers. Regarding religion, it is mainly Christians that are represented in the media, and even then, the focus is more on sermons. There is also a trivialisation of non-believers, and the media pursue an agenda that ‘everyone must believe.’ 24 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2020