(MISA/IFEX) – The Ministry of Information, Posts and Telecommunications has announced the introduction of fees for accreditation of journalists and film processing. The accreditation fees are Z$150 (US$4) for local journalists and US$100 for foreign journalists. The fee structure came into effect on 1 July 2000. Fees for processing documentaries will be US$500. Clearance for […]
(MISA/IFEX) – The Ministry of Information, Posts and Telecommunications has announced the introduction of fees for accreditation of journalists and film processing. The accreditation fees are Z$150 (US$4) for local journalists and US$100 for foreign journalists. The fee structure came into effect on 1 July 2000.
Fees for processing documentaries will be US$500. Clearance for the temporary importation of news gathering equipment for foreign journalists will cost US$50.
Until now, the accreditation process has been used to facilitate the issuing of press cards to local and foreign journalists, without any payment required. These press cards allow for easier access to official buildings and functions. It is not a registration process, and it is not illegal for a local person to work as a journalist without seeking accreditation with the ministry.
The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) has called on all local and foreign journalists to ignore the government directive. ZUJ has said that it would soon take the government to court over the fees.
