Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
THE Kwekwe community has expressed resounding support for the proposed Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill, saying it will revolutionise the country’s broadcasting landscape.
Stakeholders have shown great enthusiasm for the bill, hoping it will address long-standing gaps in the industry and promote inclusivity and diversity.
During a public hearing conducted by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media, Information, and Broadcasting Services in Kwekwe last week, stakeholders demonstrated a clear understanding of the bill’s provisions while sharing their aspirations for the proposed piece of legislation.
Pastors for ED chairperson, Evangelist Idirashe Dongo, said there is a need for the bill to promote inclusivity and represent the diversity of Zimbabwean communities.
“What we want is to see ourselves in the media. This bill must prioritise airing local content in vernacular languages. It should also stimulate the production of diverse programming that aligns with our cultural values, as opposed to foreign content promoting immoral behaviours like homosexuality,” she said.
Evangelist Dongo also proposed that critical national programmes, such as parliamentary debates, should be broadcast in vernacular languages to enhance accessibility.
Another stakeholder, Mr Christopher Sibanda, praised the committee for engaging communities directly in the legislative process.
“I am glad you came to hear our views. We need exciting and relevant programming on our radio and television stations, and this can be achieved if the state broadcaster is adequately funded,” he said.
“I support the clause requiring payment of car radio licences alongside Zinara licences, as it will ensure the state broadcaster receives the resources it needs to deliver quality content.”
Mrs Sibo Dube expressed satisfaction with the bill’s proposal for the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe to annually review applications for new radio licences.
“This approach will bring efficiency and transparency, unlike in the past when it took years to consider prospective licence applications,” she said.
Acting chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media, Information, and Broadcasting Services, Mr Gift Mambipiri, expressed satisfaction with the feedback received during the public hearings.
“The responses have been overwhelming. People are clear about what they want in the broadcasting sector. They want to see the industry grow and provide content that reflects their needs and aspirations,” he said.
Mr Mambipiri also noted widespread support for the proposal to capacitate the public broadcaster by linking radio licence payments to Zinara licensing.
“People believe this will enhance the quality of broadcasting and ensure the state broadcaster delivers on its mandate,” he said.
The Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill is widely regarded as a pivotal development that could address lingering challenges and improve the quality of broadcasting in Zimbabwe.
