Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
THE government maintains that the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) will produce high-quality content and programming that addresses community needs once the amendments to the Broadcasting Services Act are approved.
The Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill is set for the second reading in Parliament next week on Tuesday.
As part of its mandate to oversee operations of parastatals under its purview, the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services led by Deputy Minister Dr Ompile Marupi toured the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) and ZBC this Thursday, accompanied by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services.
The Government believes the passing of the bill must bring good tidings for ZBC and the nation at large.
“We are here to make sure that things move fast in bringing the envisaged changes to content creation which we hear most people talk about out there. To also ensure we look at the welfare of employees, the amendment bill will also bring good times for the organisation and the country at large as there will be funds for other projects and high-quality content,” Dr Marupi said.
ZBC Board Chairperson Ms Helliate Rushwaya said the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill is critical to the organisation as it will enhance the quality of production and expand revenue streams.
“It matters to us in terms of expanding revenue base, we will be able to deliver a reliable service and enhance access to information. On the revenue, it will ensure content creators benefit immensely as well as local languages,” she said.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services Chairperson Honourable Caston Matewu said, the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill should see the national broadcaster improving the quality of its programming.
“We have been going around the country and most people feel the pricing of radio and TV licences needs attention if it becomes mandatory. We also need to see high-quality programming, news, movies, and trending soap operas among others,” he said.
Prior to visiting ZBC, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee and ministry officials toured the Zimbabwe Media Commission where they were briefed on the milestones achieved by the commission.
“We need to keep a good working relationship with the government and parliament such that when we want to align the constitution to changing trends, it will be easy for us. We want tohe Freedom of Information Act to be more inclusive, we have promoted the Sexual Harassment Policy which we are working with industry, to make sure the environment is conducive,” said ZMC’s chairperson Professor Ruby Magosvongwe.
The tour also saw the delegation getting a first-hand experience of the journalists’ accreditation process.
