*ZMC WARNS JOURNALISTS AGAINST DEMANDING PAYMENT FOR NEWS COVERAGE
By Caroline Washaya Moyo
The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) has warned journalists and media practitioners against soliciting or demanding money, fuel, allowances or other personal benefits in exchange for news coverage, favourable reporting or the suppression of information.
In a press statement issued on 29 September 2026, the Commission said it had received reports alleging that some journalists and media practitioners were demanding payment as a condition for covering events, publishing favourable stories, withholding information or refraining from adverse coverage.
The ZMC said such conduct, if substantiated, would constitute a serious breach of public trust and the professional responsibilities of journalists.
The Commission said its constitutional mandate under Section 249(1)(b), (d) and (e) includes promoting and enforcing good practices and ethics in the media, encouraging or formulating applicable codes of conduct, receiving complaints from the public and taking appropriate action against journalists and other media employees found to have breached the law or an applicable code.
The ZMC also referred to Sections 10 and 11 of the Zimbabwe Media Commission Act [Chapter 10:35], which require investigations to observe natural justice and provide affected persons with an adequate opportunity to respond. Section 12 empowers the Commission to issue appropriate orders and recommendations following an investigation.
The Commission clarified that legitimate institutional arrangements involving transport, accommodation, advertising or sponsorship are not automatically improper. However, it said the line is crossed when a payment or personal benefit is demanded as the price for editorial coverage, favourable treatment, suppression of information or protection from adverse reporting.
The ZMC further warned that 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 [Chapter 9:23].
The Commission said it would take decisive action where allegations are substantiated following a fair investigation. Depending on the facts established, the ZMC may make formal findings and issue orders or recommendations under *Section 12 *of the ZMC Act. It may also take appropriate action contemplated under Section 249 of the Constitution, notify the responsible media organisation, pursue court action for redress in terms of Section 15 of the ZMC Act, or refer evidence of suspected criminal conduct to the Zimbabwe Republic Police and competent prosecuting authorities.
The Commission called on editors, publishers and newsroom managers to prohibit payment-for-coverage demands and maintain a clear separation between advertising, sponsorship and editorial decision-making.
News organisations were also urged to establish clear rules on gifts and facilitation, preserve relevant evidence and take prompt internal action when misconduct is established.
The ZMC encouraged members of the public and organisations that suspect such conduct to report cases to the Commission and, where possible, provide names, dates, locations, messages, recordings, witnesses or proof of payment.
It said every complaint would be handled objectively and with due regard to the right of all parties to be heard.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting media freedom, freedom of expression and a diverse range of media voices. However, it stressed that these freedoms must be exercised alongside professional and ethical responsibilities.
The ZMC said the media profession must remain accountable to the public and that personal financial interests should not determine editorial decisions.
“The Commission’s position is unequivocal: journalism is not for sale.”
