Staff Reporter
Government has introduced the Media Practitioners Bill, aiming to elevate standards of professionalism and strengthen the independence of media workers.
The Bill, ratified earlier this year, sets out to redefine the role of media practitioners, promote ethical standards, and establish a co-regulatory framework that balances accountability with autonomy.
Speaking on the matter yesterday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, emphasized the collaborative approach that the government is taking.
“We are all agreed on the principle of co-regulation. Our differences lie in the details of its implementation. As government, we will listen and hear what it means to you. Together, we will come up with a position where there is no winner or loser—our country is the winner,” he stated.
The proposed legislation outlines a clear path for defining who qualifies as a media practitioner, while also setting out rigorous professional standards.
It includes provisions for the creation of an independent body to oversee the co-regulation of the media sector, aiming to ensure that ethical practices and transparency are upheld across the industry.
Supporters of the Bill believe it is a crucial step in improving the integrity and accountability of media operations in Zimbabwe, while also safeguarding journalists from external pressures.
The Ministry of Information stressed that the Bill aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader goals of improving governance and fostering a free, fair, and transparent media environment.
However, reactions to the Bill have been mixed.
Media organizations like the Media Alliance, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe chapter, and the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) have called for a more inclusive consultation process.
They advocate for a balanced approach that ensures the Bill serves both the interests of media professionals and the public.
As the Bill heads for further scrutiny and consultation before being presented to Parliament, the government faces the challenge of balancing regulation with preserving the independence of the media.
