De-mystifying problematics of Zimbabwe’s broadcasting frequencies spectrum allocation: case of free-to air digital terrestrial television licensing

Abstract

AbstractAlthough Zimbabwe opened its airwaves to private players in 2002, broadcasting spectrum frequency licensing has remained contentious with some stakeholders arguing the process lacks transparency and is deceptive to media reform. We therefore seek to answer two key questions in this article: What are the impediments encountered in liberating the broadcasting industry in Zimbabwe since independence? To what extent is Zimbabwe’s broadcasting frequency spectrum licensing regime transparent, open and participatory? The article analyses if the licensing regimen meets International Telecommunications Union (ITU), continental and regional benchmarks of transparency, openness, fairness and inclusivity in allocation and assignment of frequencies. It investigates and unpacks policies and principles concerning frequency spectrum allocation for broadcasting in Zimbabwe. Documentary analysis is employed in examining policy documents which outline terms of reference and requirements for frequency spectrum allocation. We also conducted in-depth interviews with broadcasting policy makers and industrial voices such as applicants who were denied licenses. Four stations (two awarded and two denied) licenses and were purposively sampled for in-depth interviews. Findings in this study reveal that the adjudication and scoring of the licensees is not transparent, neither is it open and bidders do not have a say in the licensing process. Whilst the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe and the Postal Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe admit that final adjudication is done by the authorities, they still claim that the Zimbabwean licensing model is open, transparent and participatory.

Keywords

• Allocation
• broadcasting
• license
• policy
• spectrum frequency
• terrestrial