Broadcasting Bill targets more foreign investment

Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter

INFORMATION, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere yesterday tabled before the National Assembly, the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill that will, among other things, rationalise foreign ownership of a broadcasting licence up to 40 percent to allow growth and investment in the sector.

The Bill, which was gazetted last month, will align the Broadcasting Services Act with the Constitution and also with the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act.

Dr Muswere made his presentation in Parliament early yesterday morning around 2am, after a marathon sitting that also debated the recently tabled 2025 National Budget.

The Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill was immediately sent to the Parliamentary Legal Committee that will see whether its provisions comply with the Constitution.

Clause Six of the Bill amends the principal Act, which provides that licences must be issued to persons who are Zimbabweans subject to exemption by the Minister.

“The amendment seeks to allow foreign control in a broadcasting licence up to 40 percent as a measure of encouraging the development of this sector considering that it is a high capital venture and ensure that Zimbabweans remain in control of broadcasting services.

“The amendment will mean that the Minister will no longer be required to approve the licensing of any person. The amendment also seeks to repeal the requirement for directors of licencees to be Zimbabwean citizens and places a limitation of 40 percent of the directors to be foreigners. Amendments to section 8(3) will allow any person other than a natural person to apply for licences such as community radios,” reads the Bill.

Clause Three of the Bill provides that the role of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) is to regulate and manage the broadcasting service bands for sustenance rather than controlling broadcasting service bands.

“The role of BAZ is to regulate and manage the broadcasting service bands for sustenance rather than control broadcasting service bands.

“The intention is to move away from a perception that the legislation is intended to stifle the freedoms guaranteed by section 61 of the Constitution and instead to focus on necessary regulation of the airwaves.

“This is also in line with current international trends as contained in some international instruments among them, the African Charter on Broadcasting, the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” further reads the Bill.

Clause 4 amends section 4 of the principal Act by reducing the number of board members from 12 to seven and also providing for gender balance within BAZ.

Clause 15 amends section 38B by inserting a new provision which prohibits the sale of a motor insurance cover to persons who do not have ZBC radio licences.