Time to review Zimbabwe’s radio and television licensing laws – Newsday Zimbabwe

The debates surrounding the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and its licensing requirements for radio and television receivers have become increasingly relevant.

In Zimbabwe, the broadcasting and media consumption landscape is undergoing rapid and profound changes, driven primarily by technological advancements.

The debates surrounding the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and its licensing requirements for radio and television receivers have become increasingly relevant.

In light of the proliferation of free and paid services, as well as the rise of internet streaming and smart devices, the need for ZBC’s licensing regime is being questioned.

I argue that the current law requiring a receiver of radio and television signals to have a license is outdated, unfair and impractical in today’s digital age.

Historically, broadcasting was a simple business.

A few entities, such as ZBC, dominated the airwaves and a licence was required to ensure that consumers contributed to the costs of programming and infrastructure.

However, the technological landscape has changed radically.

The emergence of satellite television services such as DStv, as well as a range of internet streaming platforms, have enabled consumers to access content without relying solely on traditional broadcast methods.

In this context, the notion of a monopoly held by ZBC becomes increasingly irrelevant.

The market is now populated with many alternatives that offer diverse content to Zimbabweans.

Such changes call into question the rationale for requiring licenses, particularly when the law has not evolved to reflect these new realities.

One of the most pressing problems with the current licensing requirement is its inherently unfair nature.

The law requires people who own radio or television receivers to pay a fee, but it does not extend the same requirement to those who use modern devices such as smartphones, smartwatches and computers, which are also capable of receiving broadcast signals.

This inconsistency is glaring and raises questions about the rationale for the licensing regime.

Furthermore, the practice of harassing motorists who have radio receivers in their vehicles to comply with their licence requirements is particularly egregious.

These individuals are often subject to penalties for owning devices essential to modern life.

In contrast, users of smartphones and other smart devices are not subject to such control, despite their ability to access similar content.

Such selective enforcement is not only unfair, but also undermines the legitimacy of the licensing requirement.

The emergence of the Internet of Things has further blurred the lines between traditional broadcasting and modern digital media consumption.

Devices that were once dedicated solely to receiving radio or television signals are now multifunctional.

Smartwatches, smartphones, tablets and computers can stream content from various online platforms, making the concept of a “receiver” obsolete.

In this context, existing law is becoming increasingly archaic.

It ignores the realities of how content is consumed today and does not reflect the technological advances that have democratized access to information.

The requirement for a ZBC license therefore seems not only outdated, but also impractical in a world where consumers can curate their own media experiences through numerous channels.

As ZBC faces competition from national and international broadcasters, it is essential for the organisation to adapt to the changing media landscape.

Instead of relying on compulsory licensing fees imposed on consumers, ZBC must explore other sources of revenue.

This could include improving its advertising strategies, creating premium content or even examining the encryption of its signals to cater specifically to paying subscribers.

In doing so, ZBC will more closely align with global industry practices and will be better positioned to compete in a market where consumers have more choice than ever before.

The ability to innovate and adapt is essential for any media organisation and ZBC should not be exempt from this necessity.

Given the changing dynamics of the broadcasting sector and the technological advancements that have taken place, a re-evaluation of the laws governing broadcasting in Zimbabwe is inevitable.

The current legislative framework is not only out of step with modern realities, but also does not serve the interests of consumers or the media.

In light of the arguments presented, it is clear that the requirement for a ZBC licence to have a receiver for a radio or television signal is redundant and impractical.

The law must be repealed to reflect the current state of the audiovisual landscape.

Such a move would not only ease the burden on consumers, but also encourage greater diversity in the media sector.

The debate over the licensing of ZBC has been further fuelled by legal challenges.

It is worth noting that Jessie Majome, the current chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, once took the issue of licensing the ZBC to court.

Majome lost the case, and the case highlights growing concerns about the fairness and legality of licensing requirements.

Such a legal review highlights the need for a thorough reassessment of the laws governing broadcasting in Zimbabwe.

As Zimbabwe continues to move forward in the media landscape, it is essential to embrace change.

The repeal of the ZBC licensing requirement will represent an important step towards modernising broadcasting regulation and aligning it with contemporary realities.

This shift can foster a more competitive environment, in which diverse media entities can thrive, ultimately benefiting consumers through increased choice and quality of content.

Furthermore, by removing the licensing requirement, the government is signalling its commitment to promoting freedom of expression and access to information.

Such an approach would meet the aspirations of a population hungry for diverse voices and media platforms.

The requirement for a ZBC license to own a radio or television signal receiver is no longer justifiable in today’s rapidly changing technological landscape.

The law is outdated, unfair and impractical, especially given the multitude of devices capable of receiving unlicensed broadcast signals.

As ZBC navigates a competitive environment filled with alternative media options, it must adapt by seeking innovative revenue streams rather than relying on archaic licensing laws.

The time has come for Zimbabwe to repeal the ZBC licensing requirement, paving the way for a more vibrant, inclusive and modern media landscape.

A commitment to legislative reform will not only empower consumers, but also facilitate a broadcasting environment that reflects the nation’s diverse voices and perspectives.

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