Harare, Zimbabwe – The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has drawn a firm line against the proliferation of unregulated online content, issuing a stern warning to prominent podcaster DJ Ollah 7 and other digital content creators.
The authority has unequivocally reminded them that their operations are subject to the country’s broadcasting laws, irrespective of their online presence.
On Thursday, July 17, 2025, BAZ released a statement specifically addressing DJ Ollah 7 and a growing number of podcasters accused of broadcasting adult-themed and potentially harmful content.
On Thursday, July 17, 2025, BAZ released a statement specifically addressing DJ Ollah 7 and a growing number of podcasters accused of broadcasting adult-themed and potentially harmful content.
Regulator Affirms Broadcasting Laws Extend to Digital Platforms, Citing Harmful and Unverified Material
The warning emphasized that these digital platforms are not beyond the purview of existing media regulations and must adhere to national standards.
The authority pointed to key legal instruments that govern media production and dissemination in Zimbabwe, specifically citing the Broadcasting Services Act and the Code of Conduct for Broadcasters. BAZ stressed that these legislative frameworks "set the standards for responsible broadcasting, ensuring content upholds national values, respects individual rights, and contributes positively to societal development." The implication is clear: all content creators, regardless of their distribution channel, are expected to operate within these established legal and ethical parameters.
The regulator's direct rebuke to DJ Ollah 7 indicates that it views online platforms not as a lawless frontier, but as an integral part of the broadcasting landscape that must be brought into compliance. This warning signals a potential tightening of regulatory oversight on digital content creation in Zimbabwe, aiming to ensure accountability and adherence to national broadcasting principles across all media forms.
BAZ Expresses Grave Concerns Over Unregulated Digital Sphere
In its statement, BAZ articulated significant concern over what it described as an increasing "flood of unregulated online shows" that demonstrate a disregard for national broadcasting laws. The regulator highlighted that some of this content contains material that is harmful, offensive, or based on unverified information, directly contravening the national values and ethical standards delineated in Zimbabwean legislation. |
| DJ Ollah 7 Slammed |
DJ Ollah 7's Argument Dismissed: No Exemption for Online Platforms
Last week, DJ Ollah 7 had reportedly posited that his podcast, by virtue of its online nature, should be exempt from the stringent standards applied to traditional broadcasters. However, BAZ has now unequivocally dismissed this assertion, firmly stating that such a distinction is erroneous under Zimbabwean law.The regulator's direct rebuke to DJ Ollah 7 indicates that it views online platforms not as a lawless frontier, but as an integral part of the broadcasting landscape that must be brought into compliance. This warning signals a potential tightening of regulatory oversight on digital content creation in Zimbabwe, aiming to ensure accountability and adherence to national broadcasting principles across all media forms.
.jpg "Pronto Butchery - Meats and Abattoirs")
.jpg "Sona Solar Zimbabwe")
