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Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) has said it has so far licensed 100 media houses, but decried the failure by some to start operating. In a statement to mark World Press Freedom Day which is celebrated annually on May 3, the commission also bemoaned polarisation in the media which has resulted in declining professional standards.

“Since its establishment, the commission has to date registered over 100 media houses. However, the commission is also concerned that a good number of those licensed are failing to start publishing. At the same time, the commission is equally concerned with concentration of media houses and media products in major urban centres, leaving out rural or communal areas,” said the ZMC.

The commission said while the media craves for more freedom, it should also take heed of the concerns of communities.

“The Press has power to influence opinion. That power should come with great measures of responsibility. We all share one Zimbabwe. We should endeavour to promote its interests through responsible reporting,” said the ZMC

It said social media, while providing a platform for exchange of views and information, should not be used to denigrate, smear or attack the personalities of others.

Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (Zuj) secretary general Foster Dongozi decried the continued arrests and assaults on journalists saying this threatens the ability of the press to be accountable to the public.

Dongozi urged the government to speed up the process of aligning media laws with the Constitution as some provisions in the country’s statutes hinder the operations of the media.

Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe executive director Loughty Dube bemoaned the retrenchment of journalists saying concerted efforts are needed for the media industry to remain viable.

“The biggest question that needs to be answered is that of sustainability. This needs to be answered by the government, media houses and owners of media houses because the closure of media houses means less diversity and plurality of voices,” said Dube.