By A Correspondent

According to the Information for Development Trust (IDT), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in corporate and political governance, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) has effectively transformed into a mouthpiece for the ruling party, ZANU PF. This shift, the IDT argues, has deepened political polarization and undermines the interests of the very citizens who fund the broadcaster.

“This bias is not only a betrayal of public trust but also a significant barrier to fostering political tolerance and national unity in Zimbabwe,” the IDT emphasized in a recent statement.

The IDT contends that ZBC, which is primarily funded through vehicle license fees paid by motorists, has abandoned its original mandate as a national broadcaster. Instead, the organization claims, it now serves as a platform for ZANU PF, promoting political agendas that exclude opposition voices and perpetuate division. The Trust argues that this is not just a matter of biased reporting but a systemic failure that obstructs meaningful political engagement in Zimbabwe.

In its statement, the IDT asserts, “ZBC’s failure to reflect the diversity of Zimbabwean society has eroded its relevance, with many questioning why they should continue to fund a broadcaster that does not serve their interests.” The Trust further points out that the broadcaster’s reliance on motorists for approximately 80% of its revenue heightens the ethical responsibility to provide fair and impartial coverage. “These funds, drawn from ordinary Zimbabweans, should ensure that the broadcaster operates in the public interest, offering a platform for diverse voices and opinions,” the IDT added.

Despite this obligation, the IDT claims ZBC has continuously prioritized ZANU PF’s agenda, sidelining opposition parties and dissenting opinions. As a result, many citizens feel alienated, and political discourse has become increasingly toxic. The IDT’s criticism centers around what they view as a direct contradiction between the public’s right to an unbiased media and the broadcaster’s role in advancing partisan interests.

“Motorists, who are effectively taxpayers, have a right to expect impartiality and accountability from ZBC,” the IDT argues. “Instead, they are subjected to one-sided reporting that undermines democratic principles and stifles meaningful political engagement.”

The organization stresses the urgency of reform, stating that ZBC must undergo a fundamental transformation to fulfill its responsibility as a true Public Service Broadcaster. “ZBC must implement measures to ensure diverse and impartial coverage,” the IDT insists, calling for equal airtime for all political parties, the amplification of dissenting voices, and the promotion of a culture of political tolerance.