In a significant move, the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has imposed a ban on radio and television advertisements promoting prophets, traditional healers, and unverified herbal remedies.
Engineer Tendai Kapumha, the Chief Executive Officer of BAZ, has issued a clarion call to media organizations, emphasizing the importance of compliance with the existing prohibition. He specifically highlighted the need to eliminate advertisements related to churches, traditional healers, and unverified traditional medicines, which could potentially mislead consumers and undermine public trust.
In a significant development, authorities are ramping up efforts to implement a ban that was initially introduced in 2018 but largely overlooked by media outlets.
In a recent announcement, Kapumha articulated a message which read; “This letter serves to remind you of the Authority’s directive to all broadcasters to stop the broadcasting of advertising content from churches and traditional healers and of traditional herbs and medicines which cannot be authenticated, since they tend to mislead the public,”
The recent directive is firmly rooted in the broadcasting regulations of Zimbabwe. Kapumha referenced specific legal provisions, namely Section 23 (a) and (b) of the Broadcasting Services (Code of Conduct for Broadcasters) Regulations, 2023, along with Section 27(4)(e) of the Broadcasting Services (Licensing and Content) Regulations, 2004. These sections impose a clear obligation on the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) to safeguard consumers against deceptive or misleading information.
Furthermore, Kapumha emphasized; “Considering the Authority’s mandate to protect the interests of consumers, account being taken of the prohibition of such advertisements and infomercials in terms of Section 23 (a) & (b) of the Broadcasting Services (Code of Conduct for Broadcasters) Regulations, 2023, as read with section 27(4)(e) of the Broadcasting Services (Licensing and Content) Regulations, 2004, all broadcasters are directed to discontinue the broadcasting of such content,”
In a recent announcement, Kapumha provided clarity regarding the scope of the newly implemented ban, emphasizing that it is strictly limited to advertisements. This means that popular programs, including talk shows and debates that delve into topics such as churches, traditional healers, or traditional medicine, will remain unaffected by the restrictions. Notably, shows like Tilder Live can continue their discussions freely, provided they steer clear of any advertising content.
As the statement drew to a close, the statement firmly established its conclusion. “Please note that this directive does not stop the broadcasting of discussion programmes or debates which do not contain advertising content on these issues.”
Author: Mujuni Henry
JUNIITV
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