Following the relaxation of the media regulatory regime during the Government of National Unity (GNU) (2009 – 2013) Zimbabwe has seen increased plurality in the media sector, particularly in broadcasting. While qualitatively, the nature of this new pluralism has been questioned, particularly against principles of diversity, there have been some positive developments for the industry. The 2013 Constitution, for example introduced stronger provisions on freedom of expression and the media that did not exist in the Lancaster House Constitution. Section 61 of the 2013 Constitution expands freedom of expression to include artistic expression and academic freedom, but also importantly specifically guarantees freedom of the media (Section 61(2). In addition, broadcasting and other electronic media were guaranteed freedom of establishment with very few restrictions. The Constitution also mandated State-owned media to have editorial independence, be impartial and fair.
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