Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Media Commission Act (ZMC Act) is set to be amended in a bid to improve the quality of local journalism standards and enhancing efficiency in the media fraternity.
Addressing the media after the 37th Cabinet session yesterday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Mutsvangwa said that the ZMC Act would soon be amended to provide for additional functions to the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC), among other provisions.
“Cabinet received and approved the principles to amend the Zimbabwe Media Commission Act [Chapter 10:35], as presented by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa. Cabinet wishes to inform the public that the Zimbabwe Media Commission Act is being amended to incorporate proposals by stakeholders following extensive consultations that were carried out. The amendments will seek, among other provisions, to provide for additional functions of the Zimbabwe Media Commission, which will include accrediting of local and foreign media practitioners; registration of Mass Media Services; and the regulation and quality assurance of journalism and mass media communication training,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
The Minister added that the proposed amendments to the ZMC Act would also involve the delegation of disciplinary powers to professional bodies registered with the Commission and ensure the payment of annual levies into the Media Fund by registered media services.
Minister Mutsvangwa further said that Cabinet approved the principles for the proposed Media Practitioners Bill which would provide parameters for media co-regulation and bring professionalism to the media sector through the implementation of Codes of Ethics. The Minister added that the Bill would also provide for the establishment of professional bodies for purposes of disciplining members through delegated powers of ZMC.
Meanwhile, media practitioners have welcomed the proposed amendments to the ZMC Act saying that the Act was no longer in sync with the current journalism trends.
Freelance journalist, Abel Karozwa said that the establishment of the Media Fund would enhance the operations of ZMC and improve the lives of local journalists.
Karozwa further said that disciplining journalists who might have erred in discharging their duties was a welcome move as it would compel journalists to abide by the journalism principles and ethics.
