Don’t usurp our views, media panel told Geoffrey Nyarota
Geoffrey Nyarota

Geoffrey Nyarota

Chinhoyi Bureau
The Information and Media Panel of Inquiry has been warned against using information it is gathering from members of the public to fulfil its “selfish” interests, a situation that will not help change the media landscape.
The concern was raised by people who attended the panel’s meeting in Chinhoyi yesterday, who feared that the information that is being gathered would not be used to change the information and media landscape.

“We fear that the information that you are gathering will not be used or will be altered to suit you, the technical people,” said Mr Onismo Matereke, who also felt that the media standards should not be informed by what other countries were doing.
“We have genuine concerns that we feel should be taken on board.”

IMPI chairperson Mr Geoff Nyarota responded by saying that people should not fear as members on the panel had an interest in the media and information sector.
Mr Matereke said Zimbabwe had a unique information system that is steeped in its rich cultural background.

Others felt that community newspapers should be supported so that they tell the true story happening in the community.
They also expressed concern over high fees needed to register a newspaper.

Some contributors said there should be training of journalists so that they adhere to ethics in the discharge of their duties.
Tendai Musonza said the high registration fees for setting up a newspaper were prohibitive which stunted the growth of the sector.

Another presenter said journalists’ remuneration should be improved to reduce instances of sloppy journalism and flouting of ethics.
The team comprised Justice Dhliwayo and journalists Pikirayi Deketeke, Chris Chivinge, Vincent Kahiya and Geoff Nyarota, among others.

The teams will be in Mhangura, Karoi, Magunje and Zvipane today before going to Kariba and Siakobvu tomorrow.

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