HARARE - Analysts believe the invitation to prospective radio stations by the illegally constituted Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe to apply for licences is an attempt to hoodwink SADC.The board, controlled by Zanu (PF) and chaired by media hangman Tafataona Mahoso, says only two radio stations will be granted a license.
Industry players and media freedom advocates are doubtful that the Zanu (PF) wing of the GNU is sincere.
John Masuku, director of Radio Voice of the People), said in an interview that though the announcement was welcome, the government should also have invited community radio stations to participate.
To role out a FM (frequency modulation) radio is very expensive and few people are prepared, said Masuku. We have not yet made a decision (on applying).
The application fees for the potential broadcasters are $9 500. On being granted a license, prospective broadcasters will be expected to pay a license fee of $15 000 per annum.
MISA Zimbabwe Vice Chairman, Njabulo Ncube, condemned the announcement.
Zanu (PF) wants to hoodwink the region into believing that it has opened the airwaves. The fact that the invitation was not inclusive shows an unwillingness to do this. The call is only for commercial radio stations – there is no mention of community radio and this is worrying. We believe that it is being done because of SADC, said Ncube.
Both MDCs have challenged the legality of the BAZ, which was unilaterally appointed by Zanu (PF) Minister of Media and Information, Webster Shamu. They argue that proper procedures were not followed when the board was appointed resulting in it being stuffed with Zanu (PF) propagandists.
Ernest Mudzengi, Director of the Media Centre, said Zanu (PF) was not serious about freeing the airwaves.
The composition of the board is in itself worrying, as it is composed of Zanu (PF) apologists. We do not expect much to come from that set up, which has never had the will to democratise the airwaves, said Mudzengi.
Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations director, Henry Masuku, said it was vital to extend the invitation to community radio stations.
In an interview with SW Radio, Patience Zirima, coordinator of the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe, welcomed the potential addition of two new radio players but said the group had serious concerns.
The BAZ board is still under dispute and we are not sure under what legal basis they are offering licenses. We need this clarified, Zirima said.
What we want is a total liberation of the airwaves as required by section 19 of the GPA, which says the unity government would free the airwaves so citizens can enjoy the right to freedom of speech.
Because of its drab programming most Zimbabweans no long tune into ZBC radio or TV. They rely on South African television stations and extra-terrestrial radio stations owned by Zimbabweans and operated from outside the country, such as SWRadio Africa, Studio 7 and Radio VOP.
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