By Political Reporter- The government is pushing through a controversial amendment to the Broadcasting Services Bill, which will compel insurance companies to only provide coverage to car owners who hold a valid Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) radio listener’s licence.

Authorities claim this drastic move is aimed at propping up the financially struggling ZBC, which has suffered from poor programming and lost credibility due to its overt political manipulation by the ruling Zanu PF.

Critics argue that ZBC has long served as a mouthpiece for the party, abandoning its duty as a public service broadcaster.

Information Minister Jenfan Muswere revealed the details of the proposed amendments yesterday, stating that the plan was tabled in Cabinet by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi. The Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill is intended to align the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06] with the Constitution and the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act.
Muswere explained that the new provisions would modernise the Act and empower the broadcasting sector. “The legislation will amend several sections of the Broadcasting Services Act, including section 2A, which will shift the focus to regulating and managing broadcasting service bands for sustainability rather than control.”
One of the most alarming changes is a clause that will prevent the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) and insurance companies from selling motor vehicle licences or insurance policies to individuals without a ZBC radio licence or an exemption certificate—unless the vehicle does not have a radio receiver.
In addition, the amendments will mandate that ZBC broadcast 75% local content. Sports channels will also be required to air 50% local sports, despite the commercial value of international sports, in a bid to boost local talent.
Responding to questions from journalists, Muswere said that ZBC will conduct inspections to enforce compliance. He emphasised that it is crucial for the national broadcaster to generate revenue from listener licences, as it is legally required to cover key national events such as state funerals, pandemics, and parliamentary sessions, responsibilities that commercial broadcasters are not obligated to fulfill.

Muswere also mentioned the introduction of the Media Practitioners Bill, which seeks to standardise the training of journalists and media professionals across the country to enhance professionalism.

This move to criminalise non-compliance with ZBC licence requirements is being seen as yet another attempt by the Mnangagwa regime to tighten control over the media landscape and force Zimbabweans to support a broadcaster many believe has abandoned its duty to serve the public.