By Nhau Mangirazi,

Media advocates have bemoaned the digital divide within Zimbabwe affecting discharging of better standards of newsgathering as part of the latest global trends. The divide has affected journalists working from mostly rural areas in the country.

As the world adapts to new advancements in digital story gathering, content creation and news production through the use of Artificial Intelligence systems in Zimbabwe the process is slowly being adapted by few media institutions, while the lack of access of internet connectivity remains a challenge for journalists in remote areas.

Dr Abel Chibuwe, senior lecturer at the Midlands State University, Media, Communication, Film Theatre and Arts, Department states that Artificial Intelligence although (AI) makes it easy for journalists to use large quantities of information and to make sense of data that would otherwise appear meaningless, in Zimbabwe the process of adaptation to the trend in the media is still minimum due to lack of capacity building in digital literacy.

‘‘The main challenge is digital literacy among journalists.  The digital divide and the threat of arrest for posting or sharing messages that may be defined illegal as led to many journalists being unable to adapt to the use of AI and data journalism tools,’’ said Dr Chibuwe.

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Regional Director, Dr Tabani Moyo said the organization has helped some on data journalism through capacity building trainings with journalists, conducted research on policies around data journalism.

‘‘There is still lack of knowledge around data journalism and it remains a major challenge. The media does not have enough capacity to write data journalism stories. More could be done as there is a widespread lack of data driven stories in circulation in the country. The recent publication on HIV/ AIDS statistics in Bulawayo clearly shows this as the data was clearly misinterpreted,’’ said Moyo.

Moyo says lack of understanding of digital rights issues, their enforcement among others is another factor affecting journalists on digital journalism and rights.

‘‘In addition, there is lack of political will from institutions assigned to enforce these rights. There is a great need for trainings, sensitization workshops and involving tertiary institutions to perhaps include a course or module on digital rights in their respective programs,’’ added Moyo.

Digital Rights are linked to freedom of expression and privacy such as the right to privacy, copyright and security.

Journalist and Media Trainer, Mlondolozi Ndlovu says there is urgent need for an independent data protection authority without government interference. He called for robust awareness campaigns on data rights for mostly rural based journalists.

‘‘The fact that Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) is subject to government control has affected its independence as it would be expected both at regional or international standards. There is great need for awareness to mostly journalists in outlying rural communities on data and digital rights. They must be aware that the internet is now a human right just like any others rights enshrined in the Constitution. Such information is a tool of their wellbeing professionally,’’ said Ndlovu.