Movement for Democratic Change

The MDC will reverse direct government control of the media and establish a democratic media commission that will include representatives of public and private media. The MDC will build a conducive environment for an analytical, competitive, diverse and thriving media industry, combining commercial success and genuine public service. The MDC will d... eregulate the airwaves and allow fair competition to prevail. The MDC will ensure that widest access to information and communication technology as one of the driving forces behind new opportunities for productive growth and employment and for building citizenship and nationhood. 1. The MDC will aim to intensify the spread of telecommunications services to rural and other underserved areas to overcome the limited, inadequate and unreliable telecommunications services in such areas. 2. The MDC will target the extension of telecommunications services to support the development of key social and economic infrastructures, using a range of proven technologies. 3. The MDC will recognise, enhance and protect the role of the media in building capacities for entrepreneurship, analysis, initiative and governance and in national and cultural development. Media and public information will respect the diverse cultures and groups in the country. 4. Freedom of the media will be enshrined in the constitution. The MDC will balance sensible regulation in the media industry to ensure fair competition and to establish and maintain quality and diversity within the media. 5. The MDC will ensure that the regulatory framework for the country's media, including broadcasting, will reflect the wishes and aspirations of Zimbabweans and the openness and competitive nature of the economy. The MDC will facilitate the setting up of an independent media governing body to oversee the regulation of the media industry, with participation of public and private media and of civic interest groups.Read More