The Politicization of Information in Zimbabwe

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The government of Zimbabwe has forced many independent media outlets to close and has created one of the most oppressive working environments for journalists. Today, only two independent weekly papers remain, and many journalists work from abroad or not at all. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Zimbabwe tops the list of journalists forced into exile. Local journalists are particularly at risk if they are suspected of working with Western journalists. The crackdown on the media has made receiving information on the crisis in Zimbabwe difficult for those both inside and outside the country, and has led to many unreliable reports on Zimbabwe.

How does the Zimbabwean media operate in the current environment? How do the regional and international communities affect the role played by journalists in publicizing the crisis in Zimbabwe? Peta Thornycroft, the International Women's Media Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award winner, will discuss the challenges faced by Zimbabwean journalists and the role they can play in the current political crisis.

Speakers

• Peta Thornycroft
  The Daily Telegraph
• Dorina Bekoe [2], Moderator
  U.S. Institute of Peace

Archived Audio

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