GWERU residents have told the Information and Media Panel of Inquiry (IMPI) that they are unhappy with the partisan manner in which the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) covers national issues and urged the government to grant political parties broadcasting licences.
STEPHEN CHADENGA OWN CORRESPONDENT
Sitting at Mkoba Hall yesterday to solicit public views on the state of the media, IMPI, chaired by former Daily News editor Geoff Nyarota, was told ZBC had failed as a public broadcaster and there was an urgent need to open up the airwaves to allow for more players in the industry.
“Even national events are becoming party events. It’s a shame, so there should be more players in the broadcasting industry. It’s even better to have community radio stations to avoid biased news,” a resident said.
Another resident left the gallery in stitches when she suggested that ZBC should consider introducing pre-paid viewing as viewers had dumped it.
“By their lack of professionalism and shoddy programming, ZBC should consider introducing juice cards so that those who want to watch it can buy the juice cards and do so,” she said.
An irate resident said it was disheartening that some artists were given airplay to praise a political party without extending the same privilege to other artistes.
“Musicians like Cde Chinx and Mbare Chimurenga Choir are given acres of airplay to praise a political party by ZBC. Why not do the same thing to other artistes who want to praise other political parties?” he quizzed.
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IMPI has already been to Masvingo, Marondera, Mutare and Rusape.
