Zimbabwe Moves to Strengthen Climate Change Reporting Through New Media Guide

By Kudakwashe Takundwa

The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) says it is working to improve the quality, accuracy and impact of climate change reporting through the development of a national reporting manual for journalists and media organisations.

The commission is currently validating the Draft Climate Change Reporting Manual, which is expected to provide a standard framework for journalists covering climate-related issues.

Speaking during the validation workshop in Harare, ZMC Executive Secretary Godwin Phiri said the manual was developed with support from the European Union Commission to strengthen climate literacy within Zimbabwe’s media sector.

Phiri said the guide will provide journalists, editors and media institutions with practical guidance on key areas such as climate science, policy and governance, climate impacts, adaptation, mitigation, climate finance, sourcing, storytelling techniques, ethics and professional responsibility.

“The manual is intended to serve as a practical resource for journalists, editors, planners, and media institutions. It seeks to strengthen climate literacy within the media sector and provide guidance on key aspects of climate reporting,” said Phiri.

He said the validation process was a critical stage in ensuring the manual is comprehensive, accurate, and relevant to the realities faced by media practitioners in Zimbabwe.

Phiri challenged stakeholders attending the workshop to critically assess the draft document and identify areas requiring improvement before its adoption.

“We are inviting participants here to please, where necessary, tear apart our manual,” he said, emphasising the need for constructive input to ensure the final document meets the needs of the media sector.

Director of Media and Information Services (Media Services) in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, George Chisoko, delivered the opening remarks at the workshop, highlighting the importance of accurate, ethical and solutions-oriented climate change reporting.

Chisoko said effective climate communication requires responsible journalism that helps communities understand climate risks and encourages informed responses to environmental challenges.

The workshop brought together media practitioners, government officials, climate experts, academics, and development partners to review and strengthen the proposed guide.

Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Acting Deputy Carbon Credit Director Tirivanhu Muhwati presented on climate change fundamentals, policy and governance, while Environmental Management Agency National Projects Coordinator Tawanda Chinogwenya focused on climate change impacts, mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Star FM News Editor Levi Mukarati shared insights on practical climate journalism, including reporting approaches, interviews, sourcing credible information, storytelling, and coverage of climate finance.

Harare Polytechnic Head of Mass Communications Terrence Antonio focused on accuracy, ethics, and professional responsibility, including the need for journalists to uphold truth and avoid misinformation in climate reporting.

The Zimbabwe Media Commission says the finalised manual will serve as a national reference resource aimed at improving climate journalism and ensuring the public receives accurate, balanced, and impactful information on climate change.