By Editor
In Zimbabwe, broadcasting is regulated, and there are specific bodies and avenues for addressing inappropriate content.
Reporting to the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ):
The BAZ is the primary regulatory body for broadcasting services in Zimbabwe, established under the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06]. Their functions include licensing, regulating, and monitoring broadcasting services to ensure compliance with the law and ethical standards.
The BAZ is mandated to “encourage providers of broadcasting services to respect community standards in their programme material” and to “ensure the provision of means for addressing complaints about broadcasting services.” (Source: BAZ Functions).
How to report: You can contact the BAZ directly. Their contact information is generally available on their website (baz.co.zw). As of my last update, their phone number is +263 4 443465-7 and email is info@baz.co.zw. A formal written complaint detailing the incident (date, time, station, specific inappropriate questions/content) would be most effective.
Potential Consequences: The BAZ has the power to investigate complaints, impose penalties (including fines), and take disciplinary action against licensed broadcasters, which could range from warnings to suspension or revocation of licenses, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation. The Broadcasting Services (Code of Conduct for Broadcasters) Regulations, 2023, specifically address issues like offensive language and sexually explicit content, and require broadcasters to “respect community standards and values.”
* Complaining to the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ):
The VMCZ is a self-regulatory body for the media in Zimbabwe, set up by journalists and civil society stakeholders. Its mission includes promoting ethical journalism and handling complaints against the media.
The VMCZ receives, mediates, and adjudicates complaints from individuals and organizations against media outlets. They have a complaints mechanism and a Code of Conduct for media practitioners.
How to report: You can lodge a complaint with the VMCZ through their website (vmcz.co.zw) or by contacting them directly. They aim to serve as a buffer between the public and the media.
Potential Consequences: While the VMCZ cannot impose legal sanctions, they can mediate disputes, issue rulings, require apologies or corrections, and publicly name and shame media outlets or individuals who violate ethical standards. This can have a significant impact on a journalist’s or station’s reputation.
Reporting to the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC):
The ZMC is a constitutional body mandated to uphold, promote, and develop media freedom, enforce good practices and ethics, and ensure fair competition and diversity in the media.
The ZMC works to ensure professionalism and ethics in journalism and can be approached with complaints related to media conduct.
How to report: Information on how to directly lodge a complaint with the ZMC would typically be found on a government or media-related portal in Zimbabwe.
Direct Complaint to the Radio Station:
The radio station employing DJ Olah has an internal responsibility to ensure its broadcasters adhere to professional and ethical standards. A formal complaint directly to the station’s management can prompt internal investigation and disciplinary action against the DJ, such as suspension, termination, or a public apology. Broadcasters are also typically required to have a complaints handling procedure.
Legal Action (Civil Suit):
Mai Jeremiah could consider legal action against DJ Olah and/or the broadcasting station. Depending on the nature of the inappropriate questioning and its impact, potential grounds could include defamation, invasion of privacy, or harassment. This would require consulting with a Zimbabwean lawyer.
It is crucial to collect evidence, such as recordings of the interview or detailed accounts of the inappropriate questions, to support any complaint filed.
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