DAYS of seeing mainstream media companies choking under regulatory taxes and other bottlenecks, will soon be a thing of the past as authorities are finalising the ease of doing business reforms in the sector.
So says a bullish minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zhemu Soda, who also adds the government remains committed to the sustainability of traditional media companies in the country.
This comes as the government has also begun to implement a significant reduction in the fees, levies and licences charged by local authorities in a bid to ease the cost of doing business in the country.
Speaking at the well-attended Daily News 15th Annivesary celebrations, held in partnership with NSSA in the capital yesterday, Soda said the government was ready to slash media taxes and levies — easing financial pressure to allow newsrooms to reinvest in journalists and upgrade digital infrastructure.
“I want to state clearly and categorically that the ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, under the astute stewardship of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, is fully committed to ensuring the sustainability of traditional media.
“We do not view the ‘death of print’ as an inevitability, but as a challenge to innovate.
“Traditional media remains the gold standard for verified, ethical, and credible information,” Soda told the guests.
“In an era of ‘fake news’ and algorithmic bias, the role of an editor and a professional journalist is more critical than ever. We cannot allow our media houses to collapse under the weight of digital disruption.
“To ensure this sustainability, I am committed to deepen the policy thrust established and to implement provisions that allow viability of the sector.
“The Second Republic believes in the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ as a mantra that applies to every sector — including the media,” Soda said further.
“I wish to inform this gathering that regulatory fees and administrative costs are currently under serious consideration for review.
“We are drawing inspiration from other sectors of the economy where the Cabinet has since reduced taxes and costs downwards to enhance productivity.
“The media sector will not be left behind. We want to create a fiscal environment where a newspaper can reinvest in its journalists, upgrade its digital infrastructure, and expand its reach without being choked by the cost of regulation,” Soda said further.
“We want you to spend more time innovating and less time worrying about administrative bottlenecks.
“Under the guidance of the Second Republic and the wisdom of His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, my ministry will continue to work tirelessly to create a conducive environment for the operation of an unfettered press.
“We believe that an unfettered press is the lifeblood of democracy. It provides the checks and balances necessary for a healthy society.
“Our president often reminds us that ‘bricks and mortar’ do not build a nation alone; it is the spirit of the people and the clarity of our shared vision that move us toward Vision 2030.
The media is the primary vehicle for communicating that vision.
“We are building a Zimbabwe where a journalist can work without fear or favour, and where a media house can grow into a regional giant. This is our promise,” he added.
All this also comes as economic experts this week, gave a resounding thumbs-up to the escalating drive by authorities to reduce company costs and to boost the economy through the reduction of government fees and charges.
Brandon Josphat
CHIEF WRITER