Independent media council launched

By Tichaona Sibanda
11 June 2007

Journalists working mainly in the independent media in the country have launched a media council, which seeks to supervise and maintain professional and ethical conduct among the country’s media practitioners.

The launch last Friday was attended by about 150 journalists, mostly from private media organisations, according to reports. Five years ago, the government introduced tough media laws and formed a media commission, imposing accreditation limitations on local reporters and barring foreign journalists from working permanently in the country.

A 14-member board, which includes a retired high court judge, a cleric, a media law expert, lawyers and some senior journalists, was elected to steer the Media Council of Zimbabwe (MCZ). The country’s publishers’ and editors’ associations will also be represented on the board.

Matthew Takaona, President of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, said the self-regulating body would be more effective in promoting high standards in the media.

He added; ‘An independent, non-partisan and apolitical media council, as opposed to a mandatory regulatory body, is the best system for promoting freedom of expression.’

Standards of journalism in the country, especially in the state media, have dropped significantly due to interference from government ministers and officials. The credibility of its journalists has suffered as well, while state journalists have become ‘spin’ masters at articulating views of the ruling Zanu (PF) party.

Although all the country’s media organisations were represented at the launch, there was a low turnout from journalists working for state media.
It is also unlikely that government will work with the new council, let alone recognise its existence.