[HCDX] MISA-Zimbabwe speaks on shortwave radio stations

["Zacharias Liangas " <greekdx@xxxxxxxxx>]

MISA-Zimbabwe speaks on shortwave radio stations
http://www.zimbabwejournalists.com/story.php?art_id=6276&cat=1  	
	 

By MISA

MISA-Zimbabwe has been following with particular interest the seemingly 
contentious issue of shortwave radio stations within the context of the 
ongoing SADC mediation process. 

It is MISA Zimbabwe´s well considered view that broadcasts by shortwave 
radio stations is an internationally accepted global phenomenon in terms of 
the International Telecommunications Union Treaty and is in tandem with 
the realization of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

Shortwave radio frequencies have been critical in allowing access to 
information for disadvantaged and repressed peoples across the world. 
They also played a critical role in the heroic struggles of the people of 
southern Africa against colonialism. 

In view of Article 19 of the GPA, MISA Zimbabwe finds it most unfortunate 
that the three political parties that are now in the inclusive government have 
misunderstood the purpose and function of shortwave radio stations. 

The fact that these radio stations are transmitting within the legally allocated 
frequency bands by the host countries and without any contravention of the 
ITU stipulations, takes away the credence of the argument of their illegality.

In addition, there are no laws in Zimbabwe that restrict the broadcast of 
shortwave frequencies into our country. In fact, Section 20 of the Consitution 
of Zimbabwe guarantees that citizens are free to hold and to receive and 
impart ideas and information without interference.

The stipulation in Article 19 of the GPA requesting that foreign governments 
desist from hosting/ funding the shortwave radio stations can only be 
construed as tantamount to calling for the banning of all shortwave radio 
stations across the world.

This would be reflective of disdain on the part of the three political parties for 
United Nations Treaties as they relate to both the ITU and the Universal 
Declaration of Human Rights. 

It is MISA Zimbabwe´s contention that the core issue at hand is not about 
shortwave radio stations, which incidentally do not just broadcast into 
Zimbabwe alone, but is more of reluctance by certain elements among the 
negotiating parties to allow for the proliferation of freedom of expression and 
access to information in Zimbabwe. 

MISA Zimbabwe therefore strongly recommends that the three signatory 
parties to the GPA focus more on the fundamental issue of freedom of 
expression and access to information which has been denied the people of 
Zimbabwe.

This would entail the immediate licensing of private broadcasters for both 
television and radio while at the same time converting the Zimbabwe 
Broadcasting Holdings from a state broadcaster into an independent public 
service broadcaster. 

Once that is achieved, the issue of `outside broadcasts´ would be of minor 
concern to Zimbabweans yearning for a liberalised media environment that 
allows them access to alternative views, opinions and ideas that shape and 
inform their decision making on socio-economic and political issues that 
affect their wellbeing.
Please read and distribute this 15 year research article 
http://tinyurl.com/5vzg7e 

Please read my article on SINPO at http://tinyurl.com/yt7qjd
________________________
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........
Zacharias Liangas , Thessaloniki Greece 
greekdx @ otenet dot gr  ---  
Pesawat penerima: ICOM R75 , Lowe HF150 , Degen 1102,1103,108,
Tecsun PL200/550, Chibo c300/c979, Yupi 7000 
Antenna: 16m hor, 2x16 m V invert, 1m australian loop 


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