News / National
ZBC demanded $165 000 for live MDC-T manifesto launch
07 Jul 2013 at 13:37hrs | Views
The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), has demanded US$165 000 in order to give a live coverage of the MDC-T party's manifesto launch by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai at Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera.
Tsvangirai's spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka said the premier had written to the broadcaster requesting coverage for their party event.
"Yesterday, we wrote to the ZBC in line with the new constitution and in the spirit of the ZEC regulations after we noted that they gave live coverage of [President Robert] Mugabe," said Tamborinyoka.
Part of the MDC-T letter to ZBC reads: "We would hope that you would also attend our launch at Rudhaka Stadium on Sunday. You would also give us live coverage in the spirit of impartiality and fairness."
But in response, ZBC sent a quotation of US$165 000 to cover the launch, said Tamborinyoka.
He said the premier turned down the quotation, arguing that the money that was being required did not meet the standards of ZBC.
"Thank you for responding to our invitation, however, your invoice quoted for US$165 000 as coverage fee is in our opinion not competitive and grossly unfair given that as a State broadcaster, the constitution requires that you give equal and fair coverage to all political players at this time of election campaigning," wrote Tsvangirai to ZBC.
He added: "We do not believe that we are being treated fairly and equally with other players in particular Zanu-PF as required by the constitution. We are aware that Zanu-PF did not pay for the coverage of their campaign launch at Zimbabwe Grounds on Friday 5 July 2013.
"The action by the national broadcaster is unacceptable and totally deplorable, your attitude towards us and your expectation that we pay for live broadcasting grossly and negatively affects the impartiality and non-partisanship expected of a public broadcaster."
Tamborinyoka said the attitude of ZBC showed the need of media reforms and would affect the freeness and fairness of the forthcoming election.
Tsvangirai's spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka said the premier had written to the broadcaster requesting coverage for their party event.
"Yesterday, we wrote to the ZBC in line with the new constitution and in the spirit of the ZEC regulations after we noted that they gave live coverage of [President Robert] Mugabe," said Tamborinyoka.
Part of the MDC-T letter to ZBC reads: "We would hope that you would also attend our launch at Rudhaka Stadium on Sunday. You would also give us live coverage in the spirit of impartiality and fairness."
But in response, ZBC sent a quotation of US$165 000 to cover the launch, said Tamborinyoka.
He said the premier turned down the quotation, arguing that the money that was being required did not meet the standards of ZBC.
"Thank you for responding to our invitation, however, your invoice quoted for US$165 000 as coverage fee is in our opinion not competitive and grossly unfair given that as a State broadcaster, the constitution requires that you give equal and fair coverage to all political players at this time of election campaigning," wrote Tsvangirai to ZBC.
He added: "We do not believe that we are being treated fairly and equally with other players in particular Zanu-PF as required by the constitution. We are aware that Zanu-PF did not pay for the coverage of their campaign launch at Zimbabwe Grounds on Friday 5 July 2013.
"The action by the national broadcaster is unacceptable and totally deplorable, your attitude towards us and your expectation that we pay for live broadcasting grossly and negatively affects the impartiality and non-partisanship expected of a public broadcaster."
Tamborinyoka said the attitude of ZBC showed the need of media reforms and would affect the freeness and fairness of the forthcoming election.
Source - thestandard
