The impact of Zimbabwean Media Laws on the work of Journalists and Media organizations

Abstract

A law referred to as Access to Information and Protection Act (AIPPA) and Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) have had a negative effect on the operations of media organizations and journalists. These acts were enacted immediately after 2002 presidential elections at a time when the private media had gathered momentum and was critical of government by exposing various ills and malpractices in both government and the private sector. Civic organizations and media personnel expressed frustration at the red tape they had to go through in order to access government information. BSA also made it difficult if not impossible to open more broadcasting stations in the country as this is evident on the ground by the fact that no private broadcaster has been registered since the law came into force. AIPPA has made it difficult for journalists to investigate corruption and the abuse of power while ZBC's monopoly over the air waves has led to poor quality of programs. As a result most Zimbabweans are resorting to watching DSTV, SABC, and other international channels that are broadcast through satellite. The research used a descriptive case study method to extract information from journalists and discuss through focus group discussions the challenges the journalists grapple with as they work in the media organizations. The views of journalists and ordinary viewers of media was that AIPPA and BSA laws contravene the Zimbabwe constitution that protects the right of citizens to freedom of association as well as freedom of speech. The majority of respondents believed that there is need to reform the media laws in order to let citizens enjoy their right to freedom of expression.