Staff Reporter
In response to recent allegations of bias made by the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services,
Nick Mangwana, has stressed that the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) remains an independent entity, not influenced by the Government.
In a statement yesterday, Mangwana asserted that the national broadcaster operates with its own board, management, editorial team, and policies, while receiving support from the government in terms of policy directions, resource advocacy, and parliamentary accountability.
Mangwana pointed out that the ZBC was mandated to serve all segments of the society, including political parties of various affiliations, and individuals regardless of their status. He revealed that the Government encourages the ZBC to provide equitable representation of all political players.
Regarding CCC's appearance on ZBC programs, Mangwana stated that CCC has been declining opportunities to participate in ZBC programs.
The reasons behind this reluctance vary, ranging from internal disputes within the CCC on who should participate and how programs should be structured, to difficulties in decision-making for that party.
Consequently, this has led to that party being underrepresented on the national broadcaster.
On the issue of advertising, Mangwana reported that CCC leadership has expressed unrealistic expectations that ZBC should handle the commercial productions for them.
Mangwana clarified that the role of the ZBC was that of a broadcaster and not an advertising agency. He stressed that CCC, like all other political parties, needs to provide its own completed advertisements for airing, just as Zanu Pf does. Additionally, payment for purchased airtime is required, as is customary for any commercial arrangement.
The Permanent Secretary took the opportunity to dispel any misconceptions about the Government's relationship with ZBC, highlighting that Zanu Pf pays for all its rallies aired live on television.
Meanwhile, in a statement yesterday, ZBC emphatically denied any partiality in its news reporting. The national broadcaster asserted that its coverage was guided by the laws and principles of fair and balanced journalism.
