Stop Adverts Of "Faith/Traditional Healing": BAZ Orders All Radio, Television Stations (Full Statement)

The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has ordered all radio stations in the country to stop running adverts of faith healers and traditional healers. The authority said the adverts were misleading and contravene the regulations. We publish the full statement below in full.

6 April 2018

BROADCASTING OF FAITH AND TRADITIONAL HEALING ADVERTISING
CONTENT

Please kindly be advised that the Authority, has observed with concern the use of broadcast stations as platforms for advertising faith and traditional healing powers and the use of scientifically untested methods of treatment and healing by certain individuals and churches to the public, including the use of unverifiable testimonies.

This observation by the Authority Is supported by numerous complaints by members of the public to the Radio and Television Stations as revealed by the Stations’ complaints registers and social media.

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Needless to point out that for some stations, these broadcasts have impacted the expected Wider focus of the stations to inform, educate and entertain the public, and, rather. emerged priority programming to the disappointment of viewers and listeners.

To this extent, considering the Authority, mandate to promote the interests of consumers in respect of the quality of broadcasting services provided by licensees, account being taken of the prohibition in terms of paragraph 27(4)(c) of the Broadcasting Services (Licensing and Content) Regulations, 2004. of advertisement which misleads the public and, in the interest of protecting members of the public who are likely to believe in whatever comes our or Radio or Television, the Authority hereby directs all Radio and Television Stations to cease the advertising of faith healing powers and the use of scientifically untested methods of treatment and healing by individuals or churches including infomercials.

Please. kindly note that this directive does not stop the broadcasting of social discussion programmes or debates on these issues.

Be guided accordingly.