AMH panel recommends safeguards after ZBC story controversy

THE Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) Editorial Advisory Board has released the findings of an independent inquiry into alleged undue pressure on journalists following a February 2026 story on the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), which led to a retraction and apology.

The three-member panel, chaired by legal practitioner Susan Mutangadura and comprising chartered accountant and Judicial Service Commission member Bothwell Patrick Nyajeka and seasoned journalist Desmond Kumbuka, was appointed on April 23, and completed its report on September 1.

AMH Board of Trustees chairperson Muchadeyi Masunda said the inquiry was necessitated by the need to protect journalistic independence in covering matters of public interest, and to examine how journalists relate to subjects they cover and regulators.

Mutangadura said the panel interviewed staff involved, particularly at the Zimbabwe Independent, and found full co-operation, with the only challenge being delays in finalising the report.

The panel has made recommendations aimed at safeguarding editorial independence and the safety and protection of journalists to prevent a repeat of the incident.

In an interview with this publication, Masunda said he was grateful that the panel finally concluded its findings.

“A need arose for a number of very fundamental issues affecting journalism, you know, in this country, especially with regard to the treasured independence of journalism in terms of covering events that happen in our society and usual onerous tasks that journalists have of gathering information and disseminating information to keep society informed,” he said.

“In this particular instance, there were some journalists who were subjected to what we thought was undue pressure from certain key stakeholders in the media space.

“So we felt that it was necessary for us as an independent media Editorial Advisory Board of Trustees to put together a panel — an independent panel comprising an experienced legal practitioner.”

Added Masunda: “I just want to place on record on behalf of Alpha Media Holdings Editorial Board of Trustees our sincere appreciation to the three panellists for the trouble that they took, because they are all very busy in their respective fields of endeavour, to do what they did.

“And so the findings that they made are going to serve us in terms of the way forward: how you journalists relate to not only the subjects that you cover — the decision makers — and how you also relate to the regulatory authorities.”

Mutangadura said the inquiry was triggered by a February 2026 story on ZBC, which is of public or national interest.

Immediately after the publication, an apology and retraction were published.

“This arose from the publication of a story regarding the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation — a story which was of public and national interest because the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation serves the entire country,” she said.

“Following, and immediately after the story was published, circumstances arose that led to the publication of an apology and a retraction.

“So, given the importance of journalism and the fact that the public needs to be informed, has a right to information, it was, of course, in the interests of Alpha Media Holdings to find out what led or the circumstances that led to the publication of the apology and retraction.

“And really, that was the main mandate of the panel, but also the panel was given the room to look into any other issues that may affect the efficient operation of Alpha Media Holdings and to make necessary recommendations.”

She said during the investigation, they interviewed staff involved, especially from the Zimbabwe Independent.

“The process involved interviewing certain members of staff who were involved, who are involved in the workings of Alpha Media Holdings, and especially the Zimbabwe
Independent.

“After the interviews were done, there was a process — the panel discussing and looking at the submissions that had been made, and then drafting the report, the findings, detailing the findings, and in that process also looking at recommendations that needed to be made, firstly to ensure, hopefully, that there would not be a repeat of such a situation; to look at issues of the independence of journalists; to look at safety and protection of journalists.

“I think, yeah, in a in a nutshell, those are some of the issues that we looked at, and having done that, a series of recommendations have been made, which recommendations have been given obviously to the independent panel of inquiry, which they will consider.”

Mutangadura said the process was smooth, free and open interviews, no resistance, full co-operation, got to the truth of issues.

“We would have wanted to get the report out sooner, but due to various intervening factors, we were not able to do that.

“But otherwise, we really, in terms of the outcomes, in terms of the process, in terms of our ability to get to the bottom of issues, it was a very smooth process.”