By Abel Mavura
The Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS) welcomes the licensing of eight additional community radio stations stating that it is a positive step towards the achievement of access to information, broadcasting diversity, and plurality.
The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) on the 15th of September 2021 published a press statement announcing the licensing of Matobo Community Radio Trust, Ndau Community Radio Trust, and Chimanimani Community Radio Trust. In addition, the following ZACRAS members were also awarded broadcasting licenses namely Twasumpuka Community Radio Trust, Radio Bukalanga (Pvt) Ltd, Vemuganga Community Radio Trust, Madziwa Community Radio Trust, and Patsaka Nyaminyami Community Radio Trust trading as Kasambabezi Fm. The latest development brings the total number of licensed community radio stations to 14.
“Over the years, ZACRAS has been advocating for the licensing of community radio stations in Zimbabwe. We, therefore, commend the Government of Zimbabwe for taking evident measures towards ensuring broadcasting diversity and plurality in the sector.
“The existence of a three-tier broadcasting system comprising public, commercial, and community broadcasting will go a long way in widening citizens’ information choices. The licensing of community radio stations will therefore enhance citizens’ access to information on socio-economic developments including fostering accountable and responsive governance.” Said ZACRAS.
Radio’s strategic role remains of paramount importance as witnessed by its role in aiding different sectors, Central Government included, in disaster mitigation, response and recovery. At a time that the world is battling with Covid 19, it is anticipated that the licensed stations will be a platform for fighting Covid 19 through access to information promotion. Furthermore, community radios will be local-level avenues for promoting educational classes targeting especially marginalized and underrepresented communities who have limited access to the internet to conduct online lessons.
As licensed community radio stations are making plans to start broadcasting, it is important that stakeholders come in and render start-up support to augment community resources so as to get the stations off the ground.
ZACRAS also urged community radios to adhere to the standards and principles of community broadcasting as set by organizations such as AMARC and UNESCO once they go on air. It also extended an invitation to the newly licensed stations wishing to join the Association so as to ensure a collective approach to community radio issues in Zimbabwe.
Speaking on the same issue, ZACRAS said the Government should continue licensing more diverse players until each and every district in Zimbabwe has its own community radio station. This will not only promote access to information but also enhance free expression as envisioned in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Tag a Life International Trust through its My Freedom of Information campaign with support from the Fojo Media Institute, International Media Support (IMS), and funding from the Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe, is also targeting hard to reach places to ensure that information about the new Media and Information Bill is known by everyone.
The campaign was designed in an inclusive way. This is whereby people get the information in their comfortable languages through the ambassador Journalists selected from various provinces and diverse backgrounds.
Newly licensed Community Radio Stations will ensure that the greater majority of Zimbabweans have access to information and it is fulfilling the overall objective of the Media and Information Bill.
