By Lance Guma [twitter-follow username=”lanceguma” scheme=”dark”]
KWEKWE – Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu threatened state media editors during a meeting in Kwekwe at which he warned them against giving the MDC-T any positive coverage ahead of watershed elections this year.
Two weeks ago Shamu summoned editors from all over the country who work for the Zanu PF controlled print and electronic state media. The newly licenced ‘private’ radio stations ZiFM and Star FM sent representatives to the meeting confirming once more their status as an extension of Mugabe’s party.
One of the editors who attended the meeting told us:
“Shamu basically threatened us and told us we must know where our bread is buttered. He complained that we were giving the MDC-T too much coverage and anyone who did not agree with the Zanu PF agenda had to resign immediately.”
Shamu was mainly angered by what he felt was too much airtime being given to the MDC-T especially by the new radio stations.
“A resolution was passed that all current affairs programmes on radio stations broadcasting in Harare now have to be anchored by a senior journalist from the Herald,” our source said.
Some of the people present at the meeting included prominent radio and TV personality Tich Mataz who was representing Star FM. The station is owned by Zimpapers, the publishers of the Herald and other state newspapers who are notorious for their fanatical support of Zanu PF and President Robert Mugabe.
Despite a demand for genuine media reforms, a controversial broadcasting authority stuffed with Mugabe loyalists awarded two radio licences to Star FM and ZiFM owned by journalist turned businessman Supa Mandiwanzira.
Mandiwanzira is the Zanu PF treasurer for Manicaland Province. [twitter-follow username=”nehandaradio” scheme=”dark”]
