ZBC Blasted For Blacking Out Chamisa And Biti's Motlanthe Commission Testimonies

Media Institute of Southern Africa Zimbabwe (Misa) citicised the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC-TV) for blacking out part of the live coverage of the commission of inquiry during MDC president Nelson Chamisa and deputy chairperson Tendai Biti’s testimonies earlier this week.

The blackouts did not affect the ZBC live streaming on their Facebook page. Misa said the national broadcaster lacks independence while its governance falls way far, and is politically compromised and lacking full public participation. Said Misa:

Over the years, the monitoring of the public broadcaster by Misa-Zimbabwe and other media freedom lobby groups has indicated its lack of editorial independence, partisan coverage or complete censorship of national events, in violation of the broadcasting law in particular part 1(d) of the Seventh Schedule. It compels ZBC to provide news and public affairs programming — which meets the highest standards of journalism, and which is fair and unbiased and independent from government, commercial or other interests. In its bid to provide broadcasting services, it should ensure full respect for freedom of expression, promote the free flow of information and ideas, assist people to make informed decisions and facilitate and strengthen democracy. ZBC should have, in place, policies to ensure its protection from any form of outside interference or attempts to compromise its independence.

Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services deputy minister Energy Mutodi told Daily News that the Monday blackout was a technical glitch.

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