64 NewZimbabwe.com journalist Leopold Munhende CREDIT: ONLINE The future of the media in Zimbabwe is on the verge of bankruptcy due to the socio-economic situation in the wake of declining revenue streams and incomes. In dealing with the effects of Covid-19, MISA Zimbabwe chairperson Golden Maunganidze has pleaded (149) with the government to consider coming up with a media sustainability bailout rescue package and asked that the government consider reducing the registration and licensing fees for media houses, amongst others. When implemented, provisions of the Freedom of Information Act are expected to go a long way in giving effect to sections 61 and 62 of the constitution which provide for freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information. More remains to be done though, as the country is still faced with a plethora of restrictive laws such as the Official Secrets Act, Censorship and Entertainment Controls Act, Interception of Communications Act and certain sections of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which have a bearing on the exercise and enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information. IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC Following the Covid-19 Regulations on 30 March 2020, the country has witnessed an upsurge in the number of journalists that were harassed, intimidated, assaulted and detained by members of the police and the army while executing their lawful professional duties. Of the 22 alerts issued on media violations by MISA Zimbabwe between January and June 2020, 19 of the cases occurred between 30 March and the end of June 2020. Some notable cases include: — The assault of freelance journalist Terence Sipuma, (150) who was reportedly accosted by members of the army and the police at the Kuwadzana roundabout in Harare while on his way to Chegutu to report on the Covid-19 lockdown