Media Monitors Zimbabwe says the relationship between the media and the presidency has improved slightly under President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
During the recent World Press Freedom Day celebrations on Thursday, 3 May 2018, journalists in Zimbabwe called for the scrapping of repressive media laws passed during the Robert Mugabe administration.
Prisel Samu, Senior Researcher at Media Monitors Zimbabwe told Political Analysis South Africa on Tuesday, 8 May 2018, that new media laws, which are in line with the country’s constitution, need to be passed.
“The relationship between government and the media has improved slightly from what it was during President Mugabe’s era, there have been less arrests of journalist in the new dispensation. It should, however, be noted that there has been no change from a policy standpoint, existing media laws are yet to be realigned with the Constitution as was the case during President Mugabe’s reign,” he said.
Samu urged for responsible reporting by the media in the upcoming general elections. He said that journalists should avoid reporting the activities of certain popular parties and individuals, but should rather present a balanced view on political parties during elections.
He added that most media houses are under-resourced and that more initiatives to build their capacity should be introduced in order for journalists to be able to accurately and fairly report on the developments in the upcoming elections.
Samu also encouraged journalists to report on the issues faced by marginalised people in the rural areas who may not have easy access to information during the elections. He suggested that journalists use social media platforms to reach more people.
“Journalists should be innovative in the manner in which they cover news; they can develop specialised columns that follow election related developments in the rural parts of the country where more than 70% of the population lives. The columns can also address the interests of specialised groups which include women, youth, the elderly and people living with disabilities,” he said.
“The media can also use their social media platforms particularly Facebook and WhatsApp to engage people living in rural areas. On these platforms people can engage with their content and be more aware of what is happening in the country,” he added.
