By Admore Mbonda | Kariba
The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) has issued its toughest warning yet to journalists, declaring that demanding money, fuel, allowances or other personal benefits for coverage is no longer just unethical, it is criminal extortion.
In a statement on 29 September, the Commission said it has received reports of journalists soliciting payments as a condition for covering events, for favourable reporting, or for killing a story.
“The Commission will not shield any media practitioner who abuses the profession for personal gain,” ZMC warned.
“Where threats or illegitimate pressure are used to extract money or another advantage, the conduct may amount to extortion under sections 133 and 134 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].”
The regulator said it draws a clear line between legitimate logistics transport, accommodation, advertising and personal extortion.
“The line is crossed when a payment or personal benefit is demanded as the price of editorial coverage, favourable treatment, suppression of information or protection from adverse reporting,” it said.
If proved after investigation, Zimbabwe Media Commission says it will make formal findings, notify the media house, take the matter to court, and refer the docket to the Zimbabwe Republic Police for prosecution.
Editors and publishers have also been put on notice. Newsrooms must now prohibit payment-for-coverage demands, separate advertising from editorial, keep clear rules on gifts, and preserve evidence for prosecution.
The warning lands in a struggling industry. Zimbabwe Union of Journalists Secretary-General Perfect Hlongwane said the brown envelope crisis cannot be separated from non-payment of salaries.
“This exposes journalists to a lot of pressure, economic and socially. It erodes their dignity and integrity as most would put survival ahead of professionalism,” Hlongwane told this publication.
“Can you imagine how chaotic it will be to have media that does not adhere to any professional ethical consideration. Truth is, non payment of salaries has a grave bearing on the profession.”
But Zimbabwe Medica Commission said poverty is not a licence.
Its mandate under Section 249 of the Constitution and the ZMC Act is to protect the public’s right to professional media, it said, adding: “Criminality cannot be excused under the guise of rights.”
The Commission urged the public to report with names, dates, locations, messages, recordings and proof of payment, saying every complaint will be handled objectively.
It ended with one line:
“Journalism is not for sale.”
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