Name of project
Media strategy
Starting date
2007
Main objective
The Embassy developed and adopted a media strategy in December 2006 for the period 2007-2008. The strategy is based on three objectives: increased and secured accessibility of impartial media for ordinary Zimbabweans, both rural and urban areas; increased opportunities and allowing environment for citizens to engage, be heard and express themselves; increased engagement at regional and international level as regards the Zimbabwean situation. The focus is on designing the support to two organisations, Media Institute of Southern Africa and the Media Council of Zimbabwe.
Amount contributed
4 500 000 SEK
Results
The Media Council of Zimbabwe (MCZ) was formed in 2007 in response to the increasingly regulated media environment in Zimbabwe. Draconian laws like Access to Information and Protection of Privacy ACT (AIPPA) have enabled the state to heavily regulate the media and thereby muzzle the press. The MCZ advocates for self regulation in the media and accede that the media must be independent and accountable for its actions and give the public a mechanism through which complaints against media operations are channelled and resolved in an amicable manner. Its mission is to create an environment that enables a strong and ethical media that contributes towards a more democratic and just society. The MCZ has a functioning Board which is in the process of selecting a secretariat. The Board also held an orientation and strategic planning workshop in July 2007 to outline its plans. The Board is in constant touch with Sida and the plans are that Sida will support the initial set up of the MCZ Secretariat and programmes.
General information