ZBC UNDER FIRE AS MEDIA FREEDOM FACES NEW THREAT

In a surprising and worrying development in Zimbabwe, Charles Munganasa, the leader of the Zanu PF Youth League, has been appointed as the acting chief executive of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC). Munganasa already holds a position as the Zanu PF Masvingo provincial Youth League secretary for administration and was also a member of the ZBC board. Many people now believe that this is the final step in the official capture of the state broadcaster. ZBC is supposed to be a public broadcaster that is neutral and serves everyone, but this appointment is seen by many as a threat to its independence.

The ZBC board is led by Helliate Rushwaya, who is the niece of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. This has caused more concerns because many people believe that there is now a conflict of interest. The board’s decisions, critics say, could now be seen as biased. Before Munganasa was appointed, Assael Machakata, the ZBC finance director, had been acting as the chief executive since February. He was doing this after the former CEO, Adelaide Chikunguru, was suspended and later resigned.

The appointment of Munganasa is being seen as a way for the ruling party to tighten its control over the state broadcaster. Many believe this is a direct attack on journalism standards and media independence. Governments and powerful groups around the world often want to control the media because it gives them the power to shape public opinion. When they control the media, they make sure only their side of the story is told, which reduces journalistic freedom and stops the media from being a service for everyone.

There is a term used to describe this kind of control – it is called “media capture.” Media capture happens when the government or powerful groups take steps to control the media in a way that benefits them. This can be done in different ways, like changing the rules for how media should operate, taking over state-owned media, or making sure public advertising money only goes to media that support the government. This is becoming a common problem in Zimbabwe, and it is hurting the freedom of the press and the ability of the media to do its job.

The situation at ZBC shows how state-owned media can be very vulnerable to interference by the government. Because ZBC is owned by the state, it is easier for the government to control it. But in Zimbabwe, the structure and way ZBC operates make it even easier for the government to influence it. This is a big problem because the media should be neutral and work for everyone, not just those in power.

Critics say this trend is very dangerous. It stops the media from giving a voice to the people and limits the checks and balances that are needed for democracy to work well. The media is supposed to hold those in power accountable, give space for different voices, and help the public understand important issues. But when the media is controlled by those in power, these important functions are lost. The public might be misinformed, and trust in the media will be reduced.

This issue has bigger consequences for Zimbabwe. As the state broadcaster, ZBC has a big role in shaping how the public views the government and its policies. If ZBC is controlled by the ruling party, opposition voices will not be heard, and the people will only see one side of the story. This could affect elections and weaken democracy. It could also change how Zimbabwe is seen internationally, which could affect relationships with other countries and even the economy.

Because of this, many media groups and advocates for democracy are calling for reforms. They want changes that will protect the independence of the media, improve the rules to stop political interference, and support a diverse media environment. A free and diverse media is important for a healthy democracy, and it should not be controlled by political interests.

As Zimbabwe moves forward, there is hope that civil society, with help from the international community, will push back against these efforts to control the media. The country needs a media that serves the people, holds power to account, and supports democracy.