Story by Peter Chivhima
GOVERNMENT says the media is crucial in promoting national development and has a mandate to carry their duties objectively.
While responding to questions raised in the National Assembly recently, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere clarified the role of community radio stations in fostering community engagement, diversity and inclusivity, aligning with the country’s devolution policy.
“Community radio stations are important and it is important for communities to have stations which broadcast in local languages. We don’t have a government policy which says broadcast for this and leave for this. Community radio stations help in terms of heritage-based coverage. It also helps in promoting our local languages,” said Dr Muswere.
Dr Muswere also responded to allegations of partisan coverage of political issues by the national media.
The government has taken positive steps by allowing community radio stations to operate within Zimbabwe’s airspace, with the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe having licensed over 10 community radio stations across the country.
Government has also licensed private broadcasting stations to ensure enhanced access to information for Zimbabweans.
