By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Harare – The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe has flexed its muscles and has warned podcasters who are violating the country’s laws with their strong reaction appearing to be directed at DJ Ollah 7 after his infamous X-rated interview with social media star Mai Jeremaya.
BAZ’s intervention comes a week after a huge public outcry over DJ Ollah 7’s show.
There was outrage on social media sites, on the streets of Harare and on various platforms after DJ Ollah 7 and Mai Jeremaya combined to produce an X-rated show, which did not have an age restriction, despite its explicit content.
Mai Jeremaya used the podcast to repeat the same allegations, which were dismissed by a Harare magistrate, in which she claimed she was raped by two men -Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charlie.
The magistrate ruled that Mai Jeremaya was a willing participant in a sex-for-money scheme.
DJ Ollah 7 was heavily criticised for the way he handled the interview, including some phases where his leading questions kept dragging Mai Jeremaya into a very dark place.
It was highlighted that DJ Ollah 7’s line of questioning also exposed his lack of proper journalistic skills which demanded him to respect judicial outcomes or, more importantly, how to handle issues, or interviews, with rape survivors or those who claim they survived.
J Ollah 7 was hammered for bringing up Mai Jeremaya’s past, which included questioning her about how she lost her virginity, how she was allegedly raped and whether she was still having intercourse with her husband, JMP.
However, BAZ yesterday called on DJ Ollah 7 and his wayward colleagues, whose podcasts are dominated by X-rated content, to abide by the country’s broadcasting laws.
“The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe hereby expresses serious concern over the growing prevalence of internet-based broadcasting of content that is inconsistent with Zimbabwe’s broadcasting regulations and standards.
“These incidents, involving unverified, harmful or offensive material, represent a blatant disregard for the guidelines provided in the nation’s broadcasting laws, core of which are as follows:
Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06]
Broadcasting Services (Licensing and Content) Regulations, 2004 [SI 185/2004]
Broadcasting Services (Code of Conduct for Broadcasters) Regulations, 2023?[SI 148/2023]
“These instruments set the standards for responsible broadcasting, ensuring content upholds national values, respects individual rights, and contributes positively to societal development,” read the statement.
While DJ Ollah 7 last week argued that he was different to mainstream media, BAZ reminded him that he was misinterpreting the country’s laws.
BAZ said there were ethical guidelines for all broadcasters, whether traditional or digital.
As if directly responding to DJ Ollah 7’s misplaced views, BAZ said there is no exemption from responsible broadcasting.
“The Code of Conduct for Broadcasters clearly defines the professional and ethical guidelines that all broadcasters, whether traditional or digital, are required to follow.
“It must be noted that the Constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of expression and the media must be enjoyed responsibly and reasonably, with due regard for the rights and freedoms of others.
“Broadcasting via the internet does not equate to exemption from responsible broadcasting; all broadcasters must meet the same ethical and legal standards. Broadcasting platforms must not become vehicles for lawlessness, misinformation, or the erosion of core national values.”