The
Bill
seeks
to
align
the
Broadcasting
Services
Act
[Chapter
12:06]
with
the
Constitution
and
the
Public
Entities
Corporate
Governance
Act
[Chapter
10:31].
While
MISA
praised
efforts
to
promote
diversity,
inclusion,
and
equity
in
broadcasting,
it
raised
concerns
over
provisions
that
could
compromise
the
sector’s
independence.
In
its
analysis,
MISA
highlighted
several
commendable
aspects
of
the
Bill,
including
support
for
community
radio
stations,
quotas
for
inclusive
programming
incorporating
persons
with
disabilities
(PWDs),
and
measures
to
ensure
gender
balance.
“Provisions
such
as
utilising
the
Broadcasting
Fund
to
sustain
community
radio
stations
and
introducing
annual
calls
for
licensing
applications
demonstrate
a
commitment
to
fostering
innovation
and
expanding
the
broadcasting
landscape,”
MISA
noted.
The
inclusion
of
officially
recognized
languages
and
the
requirement
for
broadcasters
to
air
at
least
10%
of
content
in
formats
accessible
to
audiences
with
hearing
impairments
were
also
described
as
progressive
steps.
However,
MISA
flagged
several
problematic
provisions
that
could
hinder
the
Bill’s
objectives.
Chief
among
these
were
clauses
that
might
invite
political
interference
in
board
appointments
and
editorial
control
over
private
broadcasters.
“Provisions
allowing
the
President
to
appoint
the
Broadcasting
Authority
of
Zimbabwe
(BAZ)
board
members,
after
consultation
with
the
Minister,
undermine
the
board’s
autonomy
and
leave
it
susceptible
to
political
influence,”
MISA
argued.
The
organisation
also
criticised
the
practical
challenges
of
implementing
quotas
for
local
sports
content
and
ensuring
that
regulatory
processes
promote
diversification
rather
than
creating
bottlenecks.
Another
contentious
provision
is
the
linkage
between
motor
vehicle
licensing
and
radio
licenses.
The
Bill
stipulates
that
the
Zimbabwe
National
Road
Administration
(ZINARA)
and
motor
insurance
companies
can
only
issue
licenses
or
policies
to
individuals
holding
a
current
radio
license
or
an
exemption
certificate
from
the
Zimbabwe
Broadcasting
Corporation
(ZBC).
“Linking
motor
vehicle
licensing
and
insurance
to
radio
licenses
creates
an
unnecessary
and
irrelevant
connection
between
unrelated
services,”
MISA
stated.
To
ensure
the
broadcasting
sector
thrives
and
upholds
democratic
values,
MISA
called
for
amendments
to
safeguard
editorial
independence,
promote
fairness,
and
increase
transparency.
“Appointments
to
the
BAZ
board
must
be
conducted
transparently
and
publicly,
with
all
qualified
candidates
selected
on
merit,
free
from
political
influence,”
MISA
advised.
While
MISA
criticised
the
potential
for
political
interference,
it
commended
the
deliberate
inclusion
of
gender
balance
in
the
board’s
composition
as
a
progressive
measure.
Additionally,
MISA
welcomed
amendments
allowing
entities,
beyond
individuals,
to
apply
for
broadcasting
licenses,
as
well
as
the
recognition
of
community
radio
stations
and
PWDs
in
programming.
MISA
concluded
that
while
the
Broadcasting
Services
Amendment
Bill
makes
strides
in
promoting
diversity
and
inclusion,
significant
refinements
are
necessary
to
ensure
independence,
transparency,
and
the
sector’s
long-term
development.
“These
improvements
will
help
create
a
broadcasting
system
that
not
only
industrialises
the
sector
but
also
protects
the
rights
and
interests
of
all
stakeholders
in
Zimbabwe,”
MISA
stated.