Abstract

Research and observations have demonstrated that the media environment in Zimbabwe is controlled by a repressive and oppressive legislature. The oppressive and repressive legislature is usually enforced during electoral periods thus objective coverage of elections has become a daunting task for journalists. Against this background, this paper through the lenses of local journalists examines the need to revisit media laws so as to liberate journalists and the profession of journalism. The paper tables three possible ways which can help free journalists from the vices for the government whose quest is to insulate their grip on authority through shrinking the democratic space. The paper suggests that journalists must be consulted in the media policy making processes, the government must take significant steps towards liberating the media terrain and lastly there must be a legislature that protects journalists so that there is objective coverage of the 2023 harmonized elections.