Political parties are not eligible to apply for
broadcasting licences in terms of existing laws, but are instead guaranteed
access to available broadcasting services, the Broadcasting Authority of
Zimbabwe (BAZ) has said.
The statement follows queries by MDC-T vice president and
Kuwadzana MP in Parliament last week on procedure for broadcasting licences for
political parties.
BAZ chief executive Mr Obert Muganyura said Section 8 and
20 of the Broadcasting Services Act prohibits political parties from
controlling or seeking broadcasting services.
“The BAZ would like to advise all political parties that
the broadcasting law of Zimbabwe does not allow any political party to be the
provider of any radio or television broadcasting service.
“This prohibition is in terms of Section 8 of the
Broadcasting Services Act which provides for persons disqualified to be
licensed, and Section 20 of the same Act under limitation of control of
licences,” said Mr Muganyura.
He said according to Section 8 of the BSA, radio and
television broadcasting licences can only be issued to corporate bodies and
political parties do not meet this criterion.
Mr Muganyura said Section 20 of the same Act prohibits
political parties and organisations from holding or having control of any
broadcasting or signal carrier licence.
He said the section meant a political party or organisation
could not be a shareholder in any broadcasting licence.
“Political parties, therefore, need not consider
establishing their own radio or television stations as such stations cannot be
granted the authority to operate in terms of the law.
“What political parties can be guaranteed of, as provided
by law, is access to broadcasting services during an election period, in accordance
with the regulations promulgated by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission which
regulate the media during that period,” said Mr Muganyura.
Mr Chamisa, who is also former Minister of Information,
Communication and Technology claimed other countries availed broadcasting
licences to political parties and that Zimbabwe must not be an exception.
In 2015, the MDC said it was planning to establish its own
radio and TV stations arguing they were not getting enough airtime from the
national broadcaster.
The party has also in the past published its monthly
newsletter titled Real Change Times.
It also enjoys wide coverage in the local mainstream media
in addition to the pirate Studio7 radio station based in and funded by the
United States.
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