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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | The right to information and the regulation of broadcasting in Zimbabwe: towards a more liberal framework |
Author: | Ncube, Welshman |
Year: | 1996 |
Periodical: | The Zimbabwe Law Review |
Volume: | 13 |
Pages: | 139-150 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Zimbabwe |
Subjects: | freedom of the press broadcasting |
Abstract: | Freedom of speech, freedom of information and access to information are fundamental rights which are at the core not only of individual self-realization but also of democratic, accountable and representative government. In Zimbabwe, there is clearly a need for a review of the constitutional protection of these rights so that freedom of expression is expressly stated not only to include the freedom of the media but also freedom of access to information, which is very important for the exercise of the right of free speech. Furthermore, section 20(2)(b)(iv) of the Constitution, which seems to allow the establishment of monopolies derogating from free speech, should be repealed, so that the Constitution sets a standard which expressly disallows broadcasting monopolies of any kind. At the ordinary statutory level, the repeal of section 27 of the Broadcasting Act, which creates a broadcasting monopoly in favour of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), is long overdue. Also long overdue is the removal of ministerial and political control over the public broadcasting service, which should be placed under an independent broadcasting authority, which must in turn set up a broadcasting framework allowing unhindered access to the broadcast media by all shades of opinion in Zimbabwe. Notes, ref. |