Business / Companies
Mushowe warns AMH on security issues
11 Jan 2016 at 09:51hrs | Views
Media, Information and Broadcasting Services minister Chris Mushowe has warned Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) to be careful on reporting on national security issues.
The warning comes days after the arrest of AMH reporters last week over allegedly publishing falsehoods on a story alleging that Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) operatives had been paid bonuses secretly.
"We should be careful when reporting on national security" said Mushowe on NewsDay updates monitored by Bulawayo24.com.
He said this during his familiarisation tour on Monday Morning.
"I believe in freedom of the press. I do not believe in freedom to destroy our country and our national interest" he added.
"I have an open door policy. Take me as I am and see me as I am. I believe that we must work as a team.
"I would not be a minister of this industry if it did not exist.
"It is an industry that I think even the President takes seriously that is why he approved this ministry".
However, AMH Managing Director, Vincent Kahiya told the minister that, "government has made it clear that it would like to arrest journalists as weapon of choice to silence them".
Kahiya's comments then forced Mushowe to say, "If they're any government officials that have said that can I have the names so that I can flag it to them and seek an understanding.
"We must all look at freedom of association and expression as freedom for us all.
"Every Zimbabwean is entitled to Zimbabwe. It's not only for journalists but for us all.
"Any country that has no thriving journalism is undemocratic.
"We should be careful when reporting on national security.
"They protect everyone and it is in our interest that we do not take social play in the areas of national interest.
"Imagine what would happen all civil servants and government is told not to buy your paper?" asked Mushowe.
He said the media house contributions to build the country are important saying "investors depend on what you tell them".
"I think we need to share ideas, do not shut me out.
"If you're vibrant and we focus on national interest that will help us convince local and international investors to help us create employment
Of late Mushowe has been critical of the private press.
Late December he issued a chilling warning on journalists against tampering "with sacred forests of security sector.
He said, "If you enter a river infested with crocodiles what do you think will happen to you?"
The warning comes days after the arrest of AMH reporters last week over allegedly publishing falsehoods on a story alleging that Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) operatives had been paid bonuses secretly.
"We should be careful when reporting on national security" said Mushowe on NewsDay updates monitored by Bulawayo24.com.
He said this during his familiarisation tour on Monday Morning.
"I believe in freedom of the press. I do not believe in freedom to destroy our country and our national interest" he added.
"I have an open door policy. Take me as I am and see me as I am. I believe that we must work as a team.
"I would not be a minister of this industry if it did not exist.
"It is an industry that I think even the President takes seriously that is why he approved this ministry".
However, AMH Managing Director, Vincent Kahiya told the minister that, "government has made it clear that it would like to arrest journalists as weapon of choice to silence them".
Kahiya's comments then forced Mushowe to say, "If they're any government officials that have said that can I have the names so that I can flag it to them and seek an understanding.
"We must all look at freedom of association and expression as freedom for us all.
"Any country that has no thriving journalism is undemocratic.
"We should be careful when reporting on national security.
"They protect everyone and it is in our interest that we do not take social play in the areas of national interest.
"Imagine what would happen all civil servants and government is told not to buy your paper?" asked Mushowe.
He said the media house contributions to build the country are important saying "investors depend on what you tell them".
"I think we need to share ideas, do not shut me out.
"If you're vibrant and we focus on national interest that will help us convince local and international investors to help us create employment
Of late Mushowe has been critical of the private press.
Late December he issued a chilling warning on journalists against tampering "with sacred forests of security sector.
He said, "If you enter a river infested with crocodiles what do you think will happen to you?"
Source - Byo24News
