via ZBC Grace live: Prove she pays – Madhuku – New Zimbabwe 25/11/2015
PROFESSOR Lovemore Madhuku’s National Constitutional Assembly party has written to the ZBC demanding proof of payment from Grace Mugabe for the live coverage of the First Lady’s “divisive” national rallies.
Grace is touring the country holding rallies during which she denounces political opponents and the private media.
All her rallies are given live coverage by ZBC through the state broadcaster’s television and radio stations.
Grace Mugabe is not a government official and the public broadcaster never covers live the rallies of opposition political parties, even if they offer to pay.
The opposition NCA on Wednesday demanded to see proof of payment for the live coverage from President Robert Mugabe’s wife.
“It is in the public interest that NCA party is requesting you to disclose the cost incurred by ZBC when covering Zanu PF gatherings,” read the letter which the party’s national spokesperson Madock Chivasa wrote and delivered to the ZBC chief executive on Wednesday.
Other parties not covered on TV
“How much does Zanu PF pay to get uncensored coverage by ZBC at its rallies? We are challenging you to disclose and show any proof of payment for the coverage given to Zanu PF gatherings and specifically the First Lady’s rallies.
“Failure to do so will leave us with no option, but to approach the courts of law to force you to provide this important information”.
ZBC charges $30 per year for TV viewership from the public.
The state broadcaster’s inspectors move from house to house demanding listenership and viewership fees.
Chivasa said despite Grace’s rallies being dominated by hate speech, ZBC continues to ignore other political parties in its programming.
“As NCA party we have observed for some time your unprofessional coverage and abuse of the national broadcaster ZTV to further the interests of Zanu PF,” reads the latter.
“NCA party is also urging you to stop broadcasting Zanu PF gatherings if you are not in a position to give the same coverage to other political parties in Zimbabwe.
“Failure to comply with this demand will result in a massive national campaign by NCA party to denounce the national broadcaster and to urge citizens to stop paying ZBC licenses.
“It’s the NCA’s hope that you take this communication seriously and attend to the issues raised.”
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