Understanding the Freeing of Airwaves in Zimbabwe

By Simbarashe Mudhokwani

The Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) was put in place by the Act of Parliament in 2001. The establishment of the ACT is to guarantee freedom of broadcasting and disseminating informative expressions in their varying sorts to the wider Zimbabwean communities. Situational analysis is required to measure and understand the extent at which freedom of expression exist in Zimbabwe. The release of waves into the air by private stations requires endorsement or issuance of licenses through the Broadcasting Services Act.  Ways of implementing the BSA requires serious rendezvous and recommendations.

Constitutions world over guarantees the freedom of expression yet there is great suppression and monopolization of the media freedom in some countries. In both print and electronic media much is affirmed in these constitutions. The current constitution of Zimbabwe under Article XIX “Freedom of Expression and Communication” Part 19 notes that “while the provision of the Broadcasting Services permits the issuance of licenses, no licenses other than to the public broadcaster into Zimbabwe.” The remark is amazing. What really is the problem with the issuance of broadcasting licenses in Zimbabwe?

Without including the two new radio stations, Zimbabwe has four stations that include Sport FM, Radio Zimbabwe, Power FM and National FM. Television Broadcasting has ZBC and Chanel 2. Are Zimbabwean citizens happy with the ways or levels of broadcasting? The advent of Satellite dishes, such as Wiztech, DSTV and other new technologies have caused people to run away from the local stations. Are the broadcasting stations in Zimbabwe doing enough to bring entertainment? Are airwaves frankly and truly used to dish out information that is true, uncensored and of importance to the nation?

Currently there are two radio stations in Zimbabwe which have just been erected into the air waves under the Broadcasting Services Act of 2001. These are: Star FM (Zim-Papers Radio station) which is placed on the Frequency Modulation 89.70 (Harare), and Z FM (Supa Mandiwanzira’s Radio Station) on Frequency Modulation 106.04(Harare). Would these two radio stations be regarded as the freeing of air waves? 

Why is it that the air waves are not freed to many people and other private institutions? Is there any reason of fearing the issuance of licenses for broadcasting? Does the BSA document guarantee freedom of expression considering the current broadcasting situation on the ground? The two new radio and a TV station’s way of promoting local content of music and languages is also provoking skepticism. The music played on Star FM and Z FM is dominated with foreign singers. Whose music should these stations play anyway?

Does the Broadcasting Services Act, which was enacted by the Act of Parliament of 2001 helping? Do the arts and culture matters have the platform to be fairly and freely broadcasted? What exactly are the true realities of using either private or public broadcasting? What could be the reasons of Government not speedily issuing the broadcasting licenses?

Is the broadcasting and issuance of licenses done in a satisfactory manner? Who should issue these licenses? Where are the problems and are there any fears? What could be the resolutions to the challenges in Zimbabwe’s transmission of information and broadcasting?

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