Media Commission Bill being fine-tuned
The clause in the Zimbabwe Media Commission Bill that deals with regulation of the media profession, a code of conduct and ethics, and other disciplinary issues, was withdrawn yesterday, as it is now felt more appropriate to have a separate comprehensive legal framework to deal with these issues.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, who was standing in for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, told the National Assembly during the committee stage of the ZMC Bill that he wanted to withdraw Clause 28.
The clause deals with disciplinary issues of the media where the ZMC is empowered to appoint a recognised association to deal with complaints of possible breaches by a media outlet, among other issues.
During debate last week, legislators led by Makonde MP Cde Kindness Paradza (Zanu PF) criticised the clause, saying while they had compromised on co-regulation by both Government and media players, their wish was to ultimately get to have total self-regulation for the media.
There was robust debate on the Bill last week, prompting Minister Ziyambi to say he needed time to reflect on issues raised and yesterday he proposed to have the clause withdrawn.
“Honourable Speaker Sir, I wish to withdraw Clause 28 of the Bill and we will bring another Bill to deal with those issues,” said Minister Ziyambi.
The National Assembly agreed to have the clause withdrawn before referring it to the Parliamentary Legal Committee. Clause 28 prescribed conditions under which ZMC might allow self-regulation for media practitioners on complaints that were raised.
It also provides for the setting up of media associations which, if they satisfy the commission, could be allowed to prescribe a code of ethics and conduct and institute disciplinary processes for their members.
It gives a definition of adjudicators for such complaints and makes the ZMC the body that complainants can appeal to if they are not satisfied with the outcome of their complaints.
Last week, legislators across the political divide expressed reservations on the clause. Cde Paradza argued that allowing associations to conduct disciplinary proceedings on their members would leave the media industry fragmented and divided, hence the need for a consolidated and comprehensive single regulatory body where media practitioners played a greater role.
He said Government’s decision to undertake media reforms through the repeal of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy had to be holistic as was envisaged by President Mnangagwa.-herald.cl.zw
