Zimbabwe Informal communication channels: Word of mouth is increasingly getting both more important and restricted at the same time. People from urban areas carry news to the rural areas and vice versa. However, due to the ever rising costs of transport many people cannot afford to visit their rural areas as often as they would wish. Thus, the flow of information is diminishing. Foreign broadcasting: Externally based radio stations are enjoying significant growth in popularity, for example Studio 7 (a Voice of America programme produced by Zimbabweans) and SW Radio (broadcast from London, produced by Zimbabweans in exile). Both are broadcasting on short wave. Drivers in combis (public transport) regularly tune in to the news on Studio 7 at 1900hrs and people enjoy listening to the “pirate stations” as they are referred to by government. Radio stations from neighbouring countries are also popular in areas near to the borders. SCORES: Individual scores: 2, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 Average score: 1.3 2.2 Citizens’ access to domestic and international media sources is not restricted by state authorities. ANALYSIS: Foreign papers available in Zimbabwe include The Zimbabwean (a London-based weekly produced by exiled Zimbabweans) and the South African Mail & Guardian, Sunday Times, Home and Garden and Living and Loving. Plans to restrict the circulation of some of African Media Barometer - Zimbabwe 2006 15