The AMB officially launched by MISA-Zimbabwe Chairperson Njabulo Ncube, is a tool used to assess the state of the media and freedom of expression in African countries. It also assesses the extent to which African countries, Zimbabwe included, have gone in complying with the benchmarks set in terms of the Declaration of Principles of Freedom of Expression in Africa.
The AMB determines how far the country has progressed towards achieving the desired objectives as defined under the afore-mentioned Declaration by looking at four key areas, notably: freedom of expression, the media landscape, radio and television, and quality of journalism.
The instrument was jointly developed by Fesmedia Africa, the Media Project of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) in Africa, and the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) in 2004.
The report compiled by an 11-member panel comprising journalists and representatives of civic society, laments the continued retention of laws such as the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), Public Order and Security Act (POSA), Broadcasting Services Act, Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, as hindrances to the enjoyment of media and freedom of expression rights.
While freedom of expression is guaranteed in the Zimbabwe constitution, citizens live in constant fear of being arrested and convicted for breaching the laws in question. “To a certain extent Zimbabweans have thus been subdued and now tend to act with caution when it comes to exercising their right to freedom of expression,” says the report.
According to the report, corruption had also become “endemic” in the journalistic profession notwithstanding the poor salaries and working conditions for journalists and media workers in Zimbabwe.
Leading discussions on the findings of the report Chris Mhike, a Commissioner with the statutory Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC), said the issue of poor working conditions cannot be condoned as an excuse for compromising the ethics of the profession.
“Poverty cannot be an excuse for unfair and inaccurate reporting” Mhike said.
Participants at the launch ceremony comprising journalists and members of civic society agreed with the findings of the report that Zimbabwe was still far from complying with regional and international instruments that promote freedom of expression and media freedom.
On media professionalism, MISA-Zimbabwe Chairperson Ncube said: “This is an issue of great concern that calls for journalists to go back to the basics (of the profession) to ensure accuracy and fairness,” said Ncube.
Post published in: News