Rédaction Africa Links 24 with wenceslaus
Published on 2024-02-02 22:03:41
The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) has set in motion the process of amending the ZMC Act, the primary law that governs the commission and its functions. This move is an important step in addressing the challenges and impediments that affect the media industry in Zimbabwe. The amendment is specifically aimed at providing for media governance, registration, and accreditation provisions that will streamline the operations of the media industry and remove hurdles that impede its growth and development.
The ZMC is the regulatory body tasked with overseeing the media industry in Zimbabwe. Its mandate includes promoting and protecting freedom of the press, ensuring the professional and ethical conduct of journalists and media organizations, and promoting the development of a diverse and pluralistic media environment. The ZMC Act, which was enacted in 2007, provides the legal framework within which the commission operates. However, over the years, there have been calls for the amendment of the act to address various shortcomings and to bring it in line with international best practices.
The amendment process is a collaborative effort that involves engagement with various stakeholders, including media practitioners, industry experts, legal experts, and civil society organizations. The goal is to ensure that the amended act reflects the needs and aspirations of the media industry and the broader society. The ZMC is committed to an inclusive and transparent process that takes into account the views and concerns of all relevant stakeholders.
One of the key areas that the amendment seeks to address is media governance. The current provisions of the ZMC Act regarding media governance have been criticized for being too restrictive and for impeding the free and independent operation of media organizations. The amendment aims to create a more conducive environment for media operations by providing clearer and more flexible provisions for media governance. This will enable media organizations to operate more effectively and independently, while still ensuring accountability and ethical conduct.
Another important aspect of the amendment is the provision for media registration and accreditation. The current process for media registration and accreditation has been cumbersome and often arbitrary, leading to delays and barriers for media practitioners and organizations. The amendment aims to streamline these processes and make them more transparent and efficient. This will not only benefit media practitioners and organizations but will also contribute to a more vibrant and diverse media landscape in Zimbabwe.
The ZMC is also looking to strengthen the provisions related to the professional and ethical conduct of journalists. The commission recognizes the important role that journalists play in society and is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in the media industry. The amendment will seek to enhance the accountability and responsibility of media practitioners while also protecting their rights and freedoms.
In addition to these specific amendments, the ZMC is also considering broader reforms to the structure and functions of the commission itself. This includes redefining the composition and powers of the commission to ensure that it is more representative, independent, and effective in fulfilling its mandate. This will involve a review of the appointment and removal processes of the commission members, as well as the allocation of resources and powers to the commission.
Overall, the amendment of the ZMC Act is a critical step towards creating a more conducive and enabling environment for the media industry in Zimbabwe. It is an opportunity to address long-standing challenges and to establish a legal framework that supports a free, independent, and professional media sector. The ZMC is committed to a transparent and consultative process that reflects the needs and aspirations of the media industry and the broader society. This is a significant opportunity for Zimbabwe to demonstrate its commitment to freedom of the press and to promoting a diverse and inclusive media environment.
Read Original article on The Herald
