'Media should be more investigative,' says Prof Moyo

The media should be concerned with not only reporting on corruption, but ensuring that it makes investigative journalism the cornerstone of the trade, says Media, Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo.

Professor Moyo was addressing a Zimbabwe National Editors (ZINEF) breakfast meeting in the capital.

He said corruption is the biggest threat to national interests and the media should fight the vice by publishing well-researched and exhaustive investigative stories.

"This is the biggest vice which threatens national interests. You cannot define national interests without excluding corruption," he said.

ZINEF editor Brian Mangwende said the forum is concerned with the poor remuneration of journalists which has resulted in cheque book or brown envelope journalism.

Minister Moyo responded that while both the private and public media have been busy exposing corruption, this has created a possibility for various arms of the state to ponder on corrective measures to address the scourge.

He said, "The mainstream median across the divide has played a very important role which is beneficial to the public. If something benefits the public it is of national interests."

The media has been exposing corruption in parastatals, local authorities and state enterprises involving huge salaries and tenders without following due procedures.

Analysts say as the fourth estate of the state, the media's watchdog role remains crucial in safeguarding the public.