By Shorai Murwira
GWERU – Community and internet-based media organisations have called for urgent policy reforms and innovative funding models to secure their survival, warning that without sustainable media institutions, citizens risk losing access to credible and independent local information.
The calls were made during the Community Media Sustainability Engagement Workshop in Gweru, where stakeholders from across Zimbabwe gathered to discuss practical strategies for strengthening the long-term viability of community media.
Speaking during the workshop, Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) executive director Nigel Nyamutumbu said the engagement forms part of efforts to implement the National Media Policy, which identifies media sustainability as one of its key strategic pillars.
“For this particular session, we are engaging community and internet-based media to explore ways in which they can be sustainable, to learn and share from each other, express solidarity and, more importantly, identify policy gaps that are hindering media sustainability for these organisations,” said Nyamutumbu.
He said Zimbabwe’s media industry is under immense pressure, with many organisations struggling to remain operational.
“The media in Zimbabwe is currently facing a crisis of existence in that no media organisation is really operating at an optimum level,” he said.
Nyamutumbu also said addressing the crisis requires collective action from government, development partners, the private sector and media organisations themselves to develop long-term solutions that protect independent journalism.
“The media is a conduit for enhancing freedom of expression and access to information. Sustainable media institutions are therefore essential in ensuring citizens continue to receive credible and public interest information,” he said.
Media lecturer at the Christian College of Southern Africa (CCOSA), Mlondolozi Ndlovu, said sustainability should not only be viewed through a financial lens but also through the ability of media organisations to remain relevant, innovative and trusted by their communities.
“Community media occupy a unique space because they are closest to the people. However, they need stronger business models, digital innovation and continuous capacity building if they are to survive in an increasingly competitive media environment,” said Ndlovu.
He urged media houses to diversify revenue streams while safeguarding editorial independence.
“Sustainability should never come at the expense of credibility.
Media organisations must continue to uphold ethical journalism while embracing innovation and new opportunities that can strengthen their operations,” he said.
Another participant at the workshop said collaboration among community media organisations could help reduce operational costs, improve content sharing and create stronger advocacy for policy reforms that support the sector.
Participants also highlighted challenges including declining advertising revenues, rising operational costs, limited access to funding and the need for policies that create a more enabling environment for community and internet-based media.
The workshop forms part of ongoing consultations by MAZ aimed at strengthening media sustainability under Zimbabwe’s National Media Policy, with stakeholders expected to consolidate recommendations that will contribute to future policy reforms and strategies for the sector.
