JOURNALISTS must work towards protecting the integrity of their profession and guard against manipulation by political players, a media expert has said.
STAFF REPORTER
Former Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) director Takura Zhangazha told journalists from both the State and private media at a workshop on reporting on the Constitution in Harare last Thursday that they should jealously safeguard their profession as they were key players in the development of the country.
“Journalists must remember that their profession is important in society and their rights must not be trampled upon by any forces,” Zhangazha said.
“You must stand to guard against political influence or any other influence, but work to protect your interests as journalists,” he added.
This came as journalists have been subjected to attacks by mainly Zanu PF officials ahead of the party’s elective congress in December.
First Lady Grace Mugabe recently accused journalists from the private media of accepting bribes to write negative stories about her, while a rival faction in Zanu PF also accused the State media journalists of being used by the party officials to attack them at will.
Speaking at the same workshop, veteran journalist Tapfuma Machakaire encouraged journalists to read and understand the Constitution for them to convey clear messages to the people.
