The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) has warned journalists and media practitioners against soliciting money, fuel, allowances or other personal benefits in exchange for news coverage, saying such conduct undermines public trust and violates professional ethics.
In a statement yesterday, the media regulatory body said it had received reports that some journalists were allegedly demanding payments to cover events, publish favourable stories, suppress information or avoid adverse reporting.
“ZMC has received reports that some journalists and media practitioners are allegedly soliciting or demanding money, fuel, allowances or other benefits in exchange for covering events, publishing favourable stories, suppressing information or refraining from adverse coverage,” the Commission said.
The Commission said its constitutional mandate includes promoting ethical conduct in the media industry and investigating complaints against journalists and media organisations.
“Section 249(1)(b), (d) and (e) of the Constitution mandates ZMC to promote and enforce good practices and ethics in the media, encourage or formulate and enforce applicable codes of conduct, receive complaints from the public and, where appropriate, act against journalists and other media employees found to have breached the law or an applicable code,” the Commission said.
ZMC said while institutional arrangements such as transport, accommodation, advertising and sponsorship were not automatically improper, journalists crossed ethical boundaries when they demanded personal benefits in exchange for editorial decisions.
“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.
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,” the Commission added.
The Commission said it would investigate all complaints fairly and would not hesitate to act where allegations were substantiated.
“The Commission will not hesitate to act decisively where allegations are substantiated following a fair investigation under the ZMC Act and refer evidence of suspected criminal conduct to the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the competent prosecuting authorities for investigation and possible prosecution,” it said.
The Commission also called on editors, publishers and newsroom managers to strengthen internal ethical safeguards by separating advertising and sponsorship from editorial decisions and enforcing clear rules on gifts and facilitation.
Members of the public and organisations were encouraged to report suspected cases and provide evidence, including names, dates, messages, recordings, witnesses or proof of payment.
ZMC said it remained committed to media freedom and freedom of expression but stressed that unethical or criminal conduct could not be justified under the guise of media rights.
“The rights of citizens to consume professionally produced media content must override any self-serving and unethical conduct,” the Commission said.
