By Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe’s media sector still faces some challenges and still is far from being free. This was said by the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe partners at a press conference held at the media centre today.
The alliance partners applauded the work done by the Independent Media Commission Inquiry but pointed out that the government needed to do more to implement media reforms

‘MAZ prioritises alignment of media laws and policies to the new Constitution to curb the use of media laws that hinder press freedom, diversity and pluralism to regulate the media industry’ the statement read.

The deteriorating business operating environment was also cited as a threat to media freedom as many media organisations are closing down and retrenching journalists. Journalism must thrive in order to safe guard media freedom said Zimbabwe Union of Journalists Secretary General Foster Dongozi.
Asked what activities would be done to commemorate the day , Foster Dongozi said the media partners had changed tact and would not embark on marches this year as the police could refuse to clear the march like they did last year. Instead public lectures, road shows and other activities would be carried out this year.

Media Institute of Southern Africa, Zimbabwe Director Nhlanhla Ngwenya urged journalists to be more involved in matters that affect their industry. ‘No one is going to fight for you on these issues, you have to take centre stage in advocating for media freedom’ he said.

Zimbabwean media continues to operate in closed space and often dangerous situations as laws remain that criminalise the profession. The May 3 commemorations give the media an opportunity to highlight these issues and raise awareness and lobby government to implement necessary reforms
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