Staff Reporter

Well-known critic of the Government, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), has applauded Government for implementing media reforms which it says has greatly improved the operating environment of the country’s media practitioners.

Speaking through a press statement on the 2022 World Press Freedom Day, MISA Chairperson, Golden Maunganidze commended Government for ensuring a free and level environment for journalists to carry out their duties as the Fourth Estate, by repealing the draconian laws that used to affect the smooth operations of the media as a whole.

“… Commendable steps were taken to give effect to the enjoyment of the right to freedom of information through the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act in 2020 in place of the widely discredited Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA),” said Maunganidze.

In his statement, Maunganidze reiterated his appreciation for the new information law, calling it a progressive step towards fostering citizens` right to access to information, as he hailed the licensing of community radio station.

“Other commendable developments include the licensing of the country`s first ever community radio stations and ‘private’ commercial television stations.

“We therefore take note of the Government`s commitment to co-regulation of the media stakeholders and Journalists,” said Maunganidze.

Meanwhile, MISA has celebrated the Government for the reduction in the number of cases involving media violations. The institute said the New Dispensation took a renewed interest in the media reforms.

“…in 2021 there was a marked reduction in the number of media freedom violations recorded by MISA Zimbabwe,” said MISA.

This year’s universal World Press Freedom Day theme is, ‘Journalism under Digital Siege.’