The Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill, gazetted on Friday, seeks to make it mandatory for public broadcasters with multiple channels to broadcast at least 75 per cent local content across all their platforms.
However, broadcasting services emanating from outside the country will be exempt from this provision.
Licenced sports television channels will be required to dedicate 50 per cent of their airtime to local sports content and social media broadcasters transmitting national events will be compelled to register with the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ).
Insurance companies will be prohibited from selling motor vehicle insurance to individuals who do not hold valid ZBC radio licenses.
Subscription broadcasting service providers will be obligated to carry up to three channels from public broadcasters.
The legislative changes aim to align the Broadcasting Services Act with the Constitution and the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act, supporting media diversity, enhancing local content production, and fostering sectoral investment.
Foreign ownership in broadcasting licenses will be capped at 40 per cent to ensure local majority ownership while attracting foreign investment.
Clause 21 amends the principal Act to require sports channels to broadcast 50 per cent local content, recognizing the commercial value of international sports while ensuring local content representation.
The Bill seeks to prohibit insurers from selling motor vehicle insurance to motorists without a valid ZBC radio licence.
Linking motor vehicle insurance to a ZBC radio licence ensures all vehicle owners contribute to this revenue stream, minimizing evasion.
Fees collected from radio licences are crucial for sustaining public broadcasting, especially for local content production, covering national events, and maintaining nationwide radio services.
Clause 15 inserts a provision prohibiting the sale of motor insurance to persons without a ZBC radio licence.
Clause 16 requires subscription broadcasting service licensees to transmit up to three channels of the public broadcaster.
The amendments aim to broaden BAZ’s regulatory powers to address currently unregulated areas, modernize the regulatory framework, and promote local cultural identity.
Clause 17 adds new regulatory powers for BAZ, including addressing migration issues due to technology changes, introducing monetary violation penalties for non-compliance, commissioning independently produced content, and ensuring language quotas.
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Pindula News

A new law wants public TV and radio to show mostly local stuff, but foreign things are okay. Sports channels need to show local sports, and social media broadcasters must register. You can't get car insurance without a radio license. Also, TV providers must show public channels. The changes aim to follow the rules, support local media, and bring in foreign money. They also want to make sure sports channels show local stuff, and make sure everyone with a car pays for radio to support local broadcasting. The law also gives more power to the people who regulate TV and radio.

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