Story by Colette Musanyera
The government has pledged to continue opening up the airwaves to more players as part of its efforts to enhance universal access to information dissemination.
Officiating at the 1st-anniversary celebrations of 3KTV at a local hotel in Harare this Friday, the Minister Of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa pledged the ministry’s support to ensure Zimbabwean media thrive since media is a critical partner in image building, engagement and re-engagement.
“As government, we see the media as a critical partner in image building, engagement and re-engagement. We expect the media to be knowledgeable and become a true light bearer of our society by reporting on issues from an informed perspective,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She said her ministry commits to supporting the media to play its developmental role effectively.
“Improvement of access to information, freedom of information and the participation of local communities in information dissemination is our top priority as a Ministry. Support will be given to the media to ensure that they carry out their work unimpeded in a peaceful working environment. After all, access to information and freedom of expression are guaranteed by our Constitution.
“As you enter into your second year, I is my sincere hope that you sustain the momentum and capture a wider audience as you continue to churn out informative, educative and entertaining content,” she said.
“There is so much development that Government is championing and all that needs the media to disseminate it to the citizenry. It is the media that creates the awareness and highlights the milestones so that the world can know that it is not only doom in Zimbabwe but that a lot of positivity is oozing. Let us all respect the division of labour mindful of the fact that it is the sum total of all our efforts that will make our country great,” she added.
Jester Media Services Group chief executive officer Mr Pilate Machadu hailed the government for opening up airwaves to more players.
“We want to applaud the government and Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe for opening up airwaves and transparently introducing diversity in the local broadcasting industry. This has created employment opportunities for so many people and also given voices to many communities in Zimbabwe.”
The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe in 2020, awarded six free-to-air national commercial television licences to 3KTV, ZTN, NRTV, Kumba TV, Ke Yona TV and Channel D in terms of the Broadcasting Services Act.
