The discussion was held in Bulawayo on 28 January 2017 and was led by the following panelists:
1.Innocent Mupanganyama-ZPP National spokesperson
2.Thabitha Khumalo-MDC -T deputy national spokesperson
3.Iphithule Maphosa -Zapu spokesperson
4.Methuseli Moyo-Zim First head of communication
5. Mbuso Siso MDC Deputy national spokesperson
The meeting brought together media players and political party representatives to promote interaction and enhance dialogue amongst stakeholders ahead of the upcoming elections
· VMCZ Board Member and Ethics Committee Chair Mr Tapfuma Machakaire in his presentation, stressed the important role of the media in providing accurate, fair and balanced information pre, during and after electoral processes so that citizens have access to credible information
Political parties and other participants raised the following issues:
· Concerns about superficial and incomplete coverage of (political and other critical) events without a deeper analysis of the underlying factors and thus the need for investigative journalism. Political party representatives also raised concern on what they felt was too much focus on trivial issues and sensationalism in the media at the expense of critical issues
· That in most instances media will publish stories about politicians without granting them the right of reply, thereby leading to inaccuracies
· That stories are often incomplete and lack credibility
· The alleged involvement of journalists in political parties and their embeddednes in the same
· Concerns about publication of unverified whatsapp/social media reports thereby denting media credibility
· Concerns about the invasion of privacy and stereotyping in the coverage of female politicians
Hate Speech
· The media were also urged to avoid abusive and inflammatory language but the biggest question raised was how media should report hate speech by politicians and other influential players.
· Political party representatives felt that working relations between the media and politicians are increasingly strained – arguing that while the media have a duty to take politicians to task as part of their watchdog role, there is need to avoid misrepresentations, personal attacks and disrespectful conduct
Takeaways for Politicians & Policy Makers
· Politicians were in turn urged to be more accessible to the media, to provide information to journalists in a timeous manner, and to educate their followers on the importance of press freedom
· Lack of investment in the media, obsolete equipment and multiple regulatory frameworks were some of the issues highlighted as restricting journalists’ work
Takeaways for Journalists
· Photojournalists were urged to carry less obtrusive equipment and cameras to rallies and other public meetings as this makes them more vulnerable in volatile situations.
· Journalists were also urged to use simplified language that the ordinary citizens can relate to and understand
· The need to motivate journalists, improve working conditions and build the capacity of journalists to report effectively on electoral processes
· The need for balanced, fair accurate and credible reporting around electoral issues and processes
Ends//
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