Rhodesian media told to change their outlook

Press, 1 April 1980, Page 9

Rhodesian media told to change their outlook

NZPA-Reuter Salisbury The Rhodesian Information Minister (Dr •, Nathan Shamuyarira) has called for drastic changes in the Rhodesian media to reflect the new alignment of the counity with black States to the north rather than with South Africa. Dr Shamuyarira told the annual congress of the Rhodesian Guild. of Journalists on Saturday: “We are now entering the black north. This is no longer a European country. It is going to be a black man’s country.” He added: “We have to move very, rapidly and drastically to reorientate ourselves.”

The Minister said the < press and broadcasting senvices had in the past inflamed fears about chaos ] and communism ruling in

black Africa. The pressi should now provide objective and balanced reports. | The media had addressed themselves primarily to the interests of the white community. “We would now appreciate it if they would address, themselves to the Zimbabwe population, as a whole,” he said. Changes have already taken place since, the Prime Minister (Mr Robert Mugabe) won last month’s General Election and as the country prepares for independence as the new black State of Zimbabwe ,on April 18. Officials of Mr Mugabe’s party . have visited the offices of the “Herald,” the country’s main daily 7 newspaper, and the television and radio stations, laying down priorities for coverage. The “Herald” has already

increased its coverage of black news and given stories of black interest greater prominence. Sources at the “Herald” said the editors had been told they must increase the proportion of blacks on their staff. The Zimbabwe Rhodesian Broadcasting Corporation changed its name last week to the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. A motion passed by the journalists at Saturday’s meeting also changed the name of the guild to the Union of Zimbabwe Journalists. Although plans for the future of the media are still being worked out, senior officials said a new Zimbabwe news agency would be established under the direction of the Information Ministry.