Public Hearings for Compulsory ZBC License For Motor Vehicle Owners’ Insurance Policies
Parliamentary Committees Schedule Public Hearings on Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill
By A Correspondent | ZimEye | Harare, Zimbabwe – Parliament has announced a series of public hearings on the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill, set to take place across seven provinces starting Monday, 16th December. The hearings, organized by the Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services, aim to gather input from the public on the proposed amendments.
In addition, the week will feature an open committee meeting in Harare on Tuesday, 17th December, where the Thematic Committee on Gender and Development will engage with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development on gender empowerment initiatives in the mining sector.
Open Meeting Details
Members of the public are invited to attend the following open meeting as observers:
• Date: Tuesday, 17th December
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Topic: Oral evidence from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development on gender empowerment in mining and extractive industries.
• Venue: Committee Room 13, Third Floor, New Parliament Building, Harare.
Attendees must present valid identification to gain access to the New Parliament Building.
Public Hearings on Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill
The Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services has released the following schedule for public hearings:
Monday, 16th December
• Harare Province: Ambassador Hotel, Harare (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
• Mashonaland East Province: Mbuya Nehanda Hall, Marondera (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.)
Tuesday, 17th December
• Manicaland Province: Mutare Hall, Mutare (10 a.m. to 12 midday)
Wednesday, 18th December
• Masvingo Province: Charles Austin Hall, Masvingo (10 a.m. to 12 midday)
Thursday, 19th December
• Bulawayo Province: Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel, Bulawayo (10 a.m. to 12 midday)
Friday, 20th December
• Matabeleland North Province: Bubi Community Hall, Bubi (10 a.m. to 12 midday)
Saturday, 21st December
• Midlands Province: Kwekwe Theatre, Kwekwe (10 a.m. to 12 midday)
Public Participation
These hearings provide an opportunity for Zimbabweans to voice their opinions on the proposed changes to broadcasting legislation. Citizens are encouraged to attend and share their views.
For access to the New Parliament Building or the public hearing venues, members of the public must bring identification. Parliamentary officials have reiterated that while open meetings and hearings are accessible to the public, attendees are there as observers and will not be able to actively participate in the sessions.
This engagement reflects Parliament’s ongoing commitment to transparency and inclusivity in legislative processes.
Summary of the Proposed Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill, 2024
The Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill, 2024 seeks to amend Zimbabwe’s Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06] to align it with the Constitution and the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act. It introduces significant changes to broadcasting laws, aiming to modernize and enhance governance, technological adoption, inclusivity, and regulatory practices. Below are the key highlights of the proposed amendments:
Key Objectives
1. Alignment with Constitution: Modernizing provisions to reflect rights such as freedom of expression under Section 61 of the Constitution.
2. Technological Advancements: Adapting licensing and service classifications to keep up with technological progress, including new forms of broadcasting like subscription management and satellite uplinks.
3. Governance and Transparency: Streamlining the structure and operations of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) and ensuring compliance with corporate governance standards.
4. Encouraging Local Content: Promoting local language programming and culture while balancing commercial needs.
Main Provisions
Broadcasting Licenses
• New License Classifications: Introduces new classes such as subscription broadcasting, community broadcasting, satellite uplink systems, and subscription management services.
• Foreign Ownership: Allows up to 40% foreign ownership in broadcasting entities to encourage investment while maintaining majority Zimbabwean control.
• Community Radio Support: Community broadcasting services will receive funding from the Broadcasting Fund, recognizing their non-profit nature.
Regulatory Adjustments
• Gender Balance in BAZ Board: Reduces board members from 12 to 7 and ensures gender representation.
• Transfer of Licenses: Licenses can only be transferred with BAZ’s written consent.
• Compliance and Penalties: Introduces civil penalties for non-compliance and mandates content quotas for local programming.
Public Service Obligations
• Licensees must broadcast in all languages spoken in their service areas, promoting linguistic inclusivity.
• Public broadcasters must allocate 75% of programming to local content across all channels and ensure at least 50% local content on sports channels.
• Licenses must allow three public broadcaster channels on subscription platforms, one of which must be unencrypted.
Modernizing Broadcasting Regulation
• Focus shifts from “control” to “management” of broadcasting bands to dispel concerns of state interference and align with international practices.
• Flexibility in license applications, with processes now based on technological advancements.
• Foreign programming is exempted from obligations to broadcast government policy.
Content and Local Participation
• Community radio stations must involve local communities in decision-making, program selection, and governance.
• New quotas require broadcasters to reflect Zimbabwean attitudes, values, and aspirations.
Technological Advancements
• Introduces policies for managing migration to advanced broadcasting systems and digital platforms.
• Establishes requirements for independently commissioned content and recognizes social media platforms as broadcasting tools during national events.
ZBC Radio License Enforcement
• Motor insurance and vehicle licenses cannot be issued without proof of a ZBC radio license or a declaration that the vehicle does not have a radio receiver.
Corporate Governance Provisions
• Limits terms of office for BAZ board members and senior executives to a maximum of two four-year terms.
• Mandates performance-based contracts and full public transparency in hiring processes for key positions.
• Ensures regional and gender representation in senior appointments.
Impact on Stakeholders
1. Public and Community Engagement: Emphasis on public participation, especially in community broadcasting.
2. Broadcasters: Greater responsibility to provide inclusive programming and adhere to local content requirements.
3. Investors: New opportunities for foreign investment, capped at 40%.
4. Citizens: Better access to diverse, locally relevant, and culturally reflective programming.
The Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill, 2024 aims to modernize Zimbabwe’s broadcasting framework, improve inclusivity, and reflect constitutional freedoms. While promoting technological progress and investment, it also seeks to enhance local cultural expression. However, the enforcement of ZBC radio licenses through vehicle registration processes could face criticism as an administrative burden on motorists.
