IMS- Media Programme

The programme performed satisfactorily during the period under review especially the successful implementation of planned activities and the related outputs. The achievement of these outputs contributed to a significant advancement to the programme outcomes. Some of the milestones achieved include the programme contributing to access to election-related and development information; promoting public scrutiny of governance and developmental processes; spatial improvement of the media operational environment; safety of journalists and media practitioners; addressing of information disorders, strengthening the capacity of community radios, and improved coverage of opposition as part of a push to a more balanced coverage of elections by both public and private media. Below are the more specific results achieved by the programme during the reporting period: 1. Increased number of platforms for citizens to share their information on issues affecting them and to engage with leadership, proffer solutions to topical issues for example access to election related information, education, health, and research on various issues. Thirteen platforms were sustained while in some cases the same platforms were extended to new areas where they did not exist for example. in Masvingo, Matabeleland South, Manicaland, and Midlands. Tell Zim increased Whats App platforms from ten (10) to over twenty (20) during the period under review. Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS) introduced new online radio listening platform called ZENO which is an (International live streaming platform for radio) with seven community radios in seven districts. Both Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE) and Magamba Network introduced TikTok as a way of targeting young members of target communities. 2. Communities, especially marginalized and special interest groups have better access and use credible information to participate in public debate on developmental and governance issues. This was enhanced through initiatives such as the Community Information Hubs in Buhera South District that continue to enable ordinary citizens to have access to critical information, therefore, enabling citizen engagement. Both CITE and Magamba Network utilized Twitter Spaces as a way of facilitating debate and discussion on service delivery and election related issues bringing both Councillors and MPs as well as election candidates on the platform. In Bulawayo, these spaces were utilized as a way of promoting citizen participation in service delivery and pushing for accountable governance. 3. The programme also facilitated discussion and engagement on developmental issues addressing issues like health (Cholera, education, peace, and infrastructure for example in Buhera South, Masvingo, Harare South and Epworth. 4. Through raising awareness around elections, the programme contributed in part towards an increase in the number of registered voters from 5.3 million in 2018 to 6.5 million in 2023. For example, Magamba Networks general election campaign, #ElectionsZW, had a total reach of 15 935 382 people and 444 780 534 views across all platforms during 2023. 5. All the six targeted Community Radios developed gender policies and are in the process of implementing these policies. 50% of them have introduced women focused programmes in their programming 6. Each of the six Community Radios have now a trained gender champion whose role is to spearhead gender mainstreaming efforts within these stations. 7. Twenty mid-career journalists gained skill and knowledge around Investigative Journalism (IJ), with over 20 stories produced Information for Development Trust (IDT). 8. The number of cases of media freedom violations decreased from 25 in 2018 to only 8 in 2023 which is a 68% reduction. This was because of the engagement of the programme with duty bearers and authorities. 9. Through engagements with duty bearers and authorities, programme witnessed reduced attacks, especially during the August 2023 election period which reduced by 68 percent compared to 2018. 10. There were also improved relations between the police and the media as evidenced by the police participating in most of the media advocacy activities with police offering advice on how to engage with other security organs in the country. 11. Programme lobbied the government through Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC), and Community Radios (CRs) citizen journalists were accepted for accreditation. 12. Programme lobbied the government through Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) to allow community radios to cover political content focusing on voter information. As a result, the government acceded to allow community radio stations to carry voter information. 13. Programme lobbied government for Community Radio Stations (CRs) to be allowed to advertise as a way of sustaining themselves. As a result, a four (4) minute per hour advertising was acceded to. 14. IMS supported regional advocacy through the production, launch and distribution of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwes annual State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa Report that was launched in August 2023, building on the 2022 report. The report has become a key advocacy tool for media law and policy advocacy in Southern Africa and stands as a clarion call for an enabling media operational environment that fosters access to information.

The overall objective: Zimbabwean citizens (particularly marginalised communities) freely participate in, and contribute to, governance and development processes. Specific objective: Zimbabwean citizens (particularly marginalised communities) are informed and empowered with relevant, reliable, inclusive information and media content enabling meaningful participation in development and governance processes. Outcome 1: Communities, especially marginalised and special interest groups access and use credible information to participate in public debate on developmental and governance issues Outcome 2: Professional, reliable, innovative, sustainable comprehensive media enable informed citizen agency and engagement with a focus on marginalised communities Outcome 3: Relevant duty-bearers ensure a conducive media policy and operational environments enabling safe journalistic practice and citizens participation