THE Daily News — the country’s most influential newspaper — has once again been widely acclaimed by key stakeholders for its unwavering dedication to fact-driven, impartial and ethical reporting.
Speaking at a well-attended function in Harare yesterday to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the iconic title’s relaunch in March 2011, the stakeholders variously described the private daily as “a bastion of journalistic integrity” and as a newspaper which “consistently upholds the highest standards of truthfulness and independence” in its reporting.
Among these stakeholders was guest of honour and minister of Information, Zhemu Soda, who noted that the Daily News had “stood out” and acquitted itself well in a deeply polarised political and media environment.
This comes as the independent daily, which was launched in 1999, has remained a trusted medium for credible news for millions of Zimbabweans since it returned to newsstands — notwithstanding Zimbabwe’s complex body politic.
“You have managed to be critical without being cynical. You have also been probing without being destructive.
“Most importantly, your editorial stance has not been divisive.
“At a time when our nation is focused on the ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’ mantra, as well as national re-engagement, we need a media that fosters unity and peace,” Soda said.
“I must take a moment to commend the Daily News. In a world that is increasingly polarised, where media outlets often retreat into echo chambers of extremism, the Daily News has distinguished itself through its ‘middle of the road’ approach.
“Being ‘middle of the road’ is not about being indecisive; it is about being balanced, and it is about recognising that truth often lies between extremes,” he added.
Soda said further that the Daily News had upheld responsible journalism by avoiding the seductive but ultimately futile trap of sensationalism.
In this regard, and with this approach, the minister added, the newspaper was well placed to continue overcoming market challenges.
“You have avoided the temptation to endanger our national fabric for the sake of sensationalism.
“For this, I applaud the editorial board and the journalists of the Daily News.
“You have proven that a newspaper can be successful while being a responsible corporate citizen.
“As we look to the next 15 years, the challenges will be many. Artificial Intelligence, changing consumer habits, and global economic shifts will test your resolve.
“But I want to reassure you that you have a partner in this ministry,” Soda said.
He also said the government would continue to do all it could to support the country’s media.
“We will continue to listen. We will continue to reform. We will continue to ensure that the Fourth Estate remains a robust, sustainable, and integral part of Zimbabwean society.
“Congratulations to the entire ANZ team. May the Daily News continue to grow, to inform, and to contribute to the peace and prosperity of our great nation, Zimbabwe,” Soda added.
Speaking at the same event, Agatha Dondo, the digital media and contact centre manager of the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) — a business partner for yesterday’s function — said the Daily News was commendably continuing to play a critical role in the life of the nation.
“The publication has played a vital role in informing, educating and engaging the public.
“Reaching 15 years since its remarkable relaunch is a commendable achievement.
“Our support for this milestone reflects our broader commitment not only to social protection, but also to initiatives that promote knowledge, dialogue, and inclusive national development.
“We congratulate the Daily News team for your resilience, professionalism and continued commitment to credible journalism,” Dondo added.
“As NSSA, we are proud to sponsor this milestone because we recognise the critical role that the media plays in national development and increasing awareness.
“An informed society is a stronger society and institutions like yours contribute to transparency, accountability and public awareness,” she said further.
Dondo also said NSSA was providing two schemes which aimed to provide social security for citizens.
“Currently, NSSA is administering two schemes with the sole aim of providing social security.
“The contributions that fund these schemes are pooled from contributors who are in the workplace in the form of employment.
“So, these contributions are pooled to provide income and protection to workers and their families in times of need.
“So, through these schemes, we aim to ensure that workers are protected, not only during their working lives, but also beyond,” ,”Dondo explained.
She added that NSSA also served as a custodian of occupational safety and health, encouraging and promoting health and safety at workplaces.
The Group Editor-In-Chief of the Jester Media Services Group (JMS), Guthrie Munyuki, underlined the fact that the Daily News and its sister media outlets were neither “pro-government” nor “anti-government” — but rather a medium for vibrant discourse among Zimbabwe’s diverse political, social and business communities.
“This rare and enduring positioning is profoundly important for Zimbabwe’s emerging democratic culture, as democracies thrive when citizens have access to accurate, diverse perspectives and reliable information.
“Central to the Daily News and all our other group offerings is our editorial philosophy that is underpinned by a commitment to fearless, factual journalism and coverage of issues that are often overlooked or downplayed by other media outlets.
“This approach resonates strongly with readers who are eager for independent perspectives and factual reporting that reflects their lived realities.
“In a polarised political environment, maintaining such balance is not always easy. Still, we resolutely seek to report on national issues with fairness and objectivity,” Munyuki said.
The Daily News was shut down violently and unjustly in September 2003, for eight long years, by the administration of the late former president Robert Mugabe for “telling it like it is”, as its famous motto goes.
But 15 years later since its dramatic relaunch, the newspaper is not just thriving, but now also widely regarded as the country’s most respected paper.
Its parent company, JMS, is also — and by far — the biggest privately-owned media house in the country in every respect.
The Daily News’s non-partisan and high journalistic standards have also been publicly extolled by the likes of the European Union and the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
Very soon after the Daily News was relaunched in March 2011, the Daily News On Sunday followed. And thereafter, a dozen other exciting projects — including top independent national television station, 3Ktv, Radio 3000, breaking business news e-newsletter Business Live, Jester Events, a strategic communications company, and the country’s number one business publication, The Financial Gazette, came on stream — with many more in the pipeline.
This makes the group the only growing media organisation in the country.
Brandon Josphat