Harare, (New Ziana) – The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has raised alarm over the continued illegal provision of broadcasting services in the country, warning that the growing use of unapproved decoders and unlicensed subscription platforms poses a serious threat to the integrity of the broadcasting sector.
In a statement, BAZ acting chief executive officer, Engineer Matthias Chakanyuka said the authority has observed an increasing influx and use of unauthorized decoders that are facilitating the reception of unlicensed broadcasting services, adding that some of these services are reportedly being offered through illegal subscription models, including access to pirated content, in clear violation of Zimbabwean broadcasting laws.
“The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has noted with serious concern the continued illegal provision of broadcasting services within the country, in blatant violation of the broadcasting laws of Zimbabwe. The Authority has observed a growing influx and use of unapproved decoders that are being utilized to provide unlicensed broadcasting services to consumers.
“Some of these services are further being offered through illegal subscription models, including access to pirated content, thereby undermining the integrity, sustainability, and lawful operation of the broadcasting industry in Zimbabwe,” said Chakanyuka.
He said BAZ identified several decoders commonly linked to these unlawful activities, including OVHD, StarSat, DigiSat, Mediastar, Senator and similar devices.
These decoders, said Chakanyuka, are being distributed and used to provide access to broadcasting services that have not been licensed or approved under Zimbabwean law.
“The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe wishes to categorically state that the distribution, sale, and use of decoders that aid the provision of unlicensed broadcasting services constitutes a violation of the law.
The Authority will not hesitate to invoke the relevant laws in investigating, prosecuting, and bringing to book all offenders involved in these unlawful activities,” he said.
The Authority emphasized that the law is explicit on the matter. Section 7(1) of the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06] states that no person shall provide a broadcasting service without a licence. This provision applies to all individuals and entities involved in the provision, facilitation or distribution of broadcasting services within the country.
In addition, Section 5(1)(b) as read with (c) of the Broadcasting Services (Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Services) Regulations, 2020 [S.I. 26 of 2020], requires all suppliers of set-top boxes (decoders) to be registered with BAZ through a mandatory type-approval process.
The Authority, warned Chakanyuka, will investigate, prosecute and bring to book all individuals and entities involved in the distribution, sale or use of decoders that aid the provision of unlicensed broadcasting services.
The regulator also urged members of the public to desist from purchasing, installing or subscribing to illegal broadcasting services, noting that such actions directly support unlawful conduct and harm the growth and regulation of the industry.
He reaffirmed BAZ’s commitment to ensuring a fair, lawful and well-regulated broadcasting environment that protects consumers, licensed broadcasters and the national interest, while promoting the long-term sustainability of Zimbabwe’s broadcasting sector.
New Ziana
