Dr. Jenfan Muswere spoke to the Senate yesterday about the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill. He explained that the bill aims to align the law with the Constitution and the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act. The Senate heard this speech after the National Assembly had passed the bill two weeks earlier. Muswere pointed out that certain parts of the current Act clash with the new Constitution.
The Information Minister noted how quickly technology has changed recently. This rapid change makes updating broadcasting laws necessary. The bill contains 21 different clauses addressing various issues. Clause 2 introduces new definitions for internet broadcasting licenses, ensuring that all online broadcasting falls under regulation.
Clause 3 changes how the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe works. Instead of "controlling" broadcasting bands, BAZ will "regulate and manage" them. This shift moves away from any idea that the law wants to limit freedoms guaranteed in section 61 of the Constitution. The focus becomes proper regulation rather than restriction.
The bill reduces board members from twelve to seven through Clause 4. This makes sure the board size fits the institution better. The clause also requires gender balance on the board, similar to other organizations like POTRAZ. Clause 5 updates the classes of broadcasting services that can receive licenses, adapting to technological developments.
Muswere explained that Clause 6 creates more predictable application processes for granting or refusing licenses. Services using frequency spectrum will apply just once yearly. Only services using band spectrum - a national resource - must go through public inquiry. Clause 7 requires broadcasters to use all languages spoken in their service area, promoting official languages recognized by the Constitution.
The Information Minister noted how quickly technology has changed recently. This rapid change makes updating broadcasting laws necessary. The bill contains 21 different clauses addressing various issues. Clause 2 introduces new definitions for internet broadcasting licenses, ensuring that all online broadcasting falls under regulation.
Clause 3 changes how the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe works. Instead of "controlling" broadcasting bands, BAZ will "regulate and manage" them. This shift moves away from any idea that the law wants to limit freedoms guaranteed in section 61 of the Constitution. The focus becomes proper regulation rather than restriction.
The bill reduces board members from twelve to seven through Clause 4. This makes sure the board size fits the institution better. The clause also requires gender balance on the board, similar to other organizations like POTRAZ. Clause 5 updates the classes of broadcasting services that can receive licenses, adapting to technological developments.
Muswere explained that Clause 6 creates more predictable application processes for granting or refusing licenses. Services using frequency spectrum will apply just once yearly. Only services using band spectrum - a national resource - must go through public inquiry. Clause 7 requires broadcasters to use all languages spoken in their service area, promoting official languages recognized by the Constitution.
