MISA Zimbabwe is sharing its recommendations for improving media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information in Zimbabwe to commemorate World Press Freedom Day 2019.

LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Repeal of AIPPA and BSA

Maintain momentum and pressure for the repeal of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), which is used to license and regulate the media, as well as the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA). #AIPPAMustFall! #BSAMustFall! #MediaReformsNow!

MEDIA INDEPENDENCE
Transform ZBC into a truly independent broadcaster

Increase and maintain pressure on the urgent need for transformation of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) into a truly independent public broadcaster.

DIGITAL MIGRATION
Push for government transparency around digital migration

Press the government of Zimbabwe to be transparent on the digital migration process and allocation of resources under this exercise.

SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS
Ensure a safe working environment for journalists

ADVERTISEMENT

Put pressure on the government and its security arms, as well as politicians, to ensure a safe working environment for journalists. State organs and political parties still perpetrate the majority of crimes against media professionals in Zimbabwe.

Investigate and prosecute crimes against journalists

Demand police investigations of assaults, and other violence, against media professionals and an end to impunity on crimes against journalists.

Demand an investigation into attacks on journalists during the 1st August 2018 demonstrations

Journalists were assaulted and injured while covering the events of 1st August 2018 when the armed services shot at demonstrators in central Harare. The government must investigate this violence against the media.

Continue to implement the police-media action plan

Maintain the relationship and engage with the Zimbabwe Republic Police to continue the implementation of the December 2017 media-police resolutions.

MEDIA TRAINING
Encourage journalism schools to address media sector needs

Urge media training institutions to fine-tune and modernise their curriculums to better suit industry and market needs. Newsrooms are often having to retrain university journalism graduates as they lack the fundaments of contemporary journalism practice.

MEDIA and GENDER
Promote more women to management

The media industry needs to promote the participation of women in decision-making positions by appointing more women on merit into top management positions. The sector should also ensure that they are paid on the same scale as their male counterparts.