Online Journalism: A Weapon For Press Freedom
“Future of Online Journalism is strong in Zimbabwe” - Privilege Musvanhiri
Highlights
- Zimbabwe Union of Journalists positive about reporting online
- More training is needed for Journalists
- Government cannot control web content
Privilege is one of Zimbabwe’s budding online journalists - photo: Larrey
PRIVILEGE Musvanhiri feels that Online Jounalism is setting a precedence in Zimbabwe. Musvanhiri who works for the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) says that under the prevailing law, most privately owned newspapers have been closed down by the Media and Information Commission (MIC), who is responsible for licensing newspapers. MIC was created under the Access to Information and Protection to Privacy Act (AIPPA).
Journalists turn to online journalism
The closure of independent newspapers has forced many Zimbabwean Journalists to become correspondents for international media organisations or news agencies. These agencies get the benefit of carrying news stories from a Zimbabwean perspective. Reports are sent via emails.
Other views can be expressed
This new development has allowed views other than that of the government to be expressed. Currently, the state owns and controls the ‘The Herald‘ - the only daily newspaper, television and radio channels. It would be very difficult for the Zimbabwean government to control access to websites. Therefore, online journalism has a key role to play in providing an alternative to state media.
More training is needed
Musvanhiri feels that more training is needed for journalists to take their fight for press freedom further because they need more expertise to be able to create their own website. “Online Journalism has helped other Zimbabweans to understand the situation in their country by giving the otherside of the story,” says Musvanhiri.
Training Workshop for Online Journalists at NSJ - Photo: Larrey
The future
Over 8% of Zimbabweans had access to the internet in July 2007 and the number is growing fast.
Journalists in Zimbabwe now have a new weapon to use in their fight for press freedom.
Musvanhiri firmly believes that “the future of Online Journalism in Zimbabwe is strong.”
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