Zimbabwe Zhuwarara, a former media studies lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, Tendai Chari, a media studies lecturer with the University of Zimbabwe, Joyce Makwenda, who has written for The Herald, and Aaron Chiundura-Moyo, an author and playwright. SCORES: Individual scores: 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1 Average score: 1.1 3.7 The editorial independence of the public broadcaster from commercial pressure and political influence is guaranteed by law and practised. ANALYSIS: No such legal guarantees are in place. There is little or no room for commercial influence as ZBH has currently no significant commercial activity. Commercial pressures existed before but were removed during the days of Jonathan Moyo as Minister of Information who changed the broadcaster into a propaganda tool. The business section in the news bulletins, however, seems to be influenced by the interests of advertisers. ZBH operates under nine subsidiaries, namely ZTV Sisonke, National Television (NTV), On Air Systems, Radio Zimbabwe, Power FM, National FM, SFM, Newsnet and Channel C. On Air Systems, NTV and Channel C exist on paper only. The most powerful of these subsidiaries is Newsnet, in charge of news and current affairs. During the tenure of the then Minister of Information, Jonathan Moyo, Newsnet’s line editors went for regular briefings at the ministry. The deputy minister and the permanent secretary sometimes work hands-on in the newsroom and direct 26 African Media Barometer - Zimbabwe 2006