"On the issue of ownership we cannot compromise," Information Minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu told a committee of lawmakers.

"Why should a foreigner want to own a voice in Zimbabwe? The government policy on broadcasting seeks to achieve strategic goals. We seek to expose those we perceive as adversaries and win over those we see as useful allies.

"Broadcasting seeks to build national cohesion, consensus and defence, especially this time when the country's sovereignty is being challenged by our erstwhile colonisers."

Zimbabwe passed tough media laws in 2002, including the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, which has been invoked to expel foreign correspondents, shut down four newspapers and emasculate a once-vibrant independent press.

Broadcasting laws passed in 2003 have protected the monopoly of state television and radio, which echo the voice of veteran President Robert Mugabe's government.

Although the law allows private companies to operate radio and television stations, prospective broadcasters have been hamstrung by stringent licensing requirements, including a clause that disallows foreign funding for local media companies.

Ndlovu said the government was considering relaxing the laws in favour of potential local broadcasters.

"We will continue inviting applications and if they continue to fail and they are capable Zimbabweans, we will consider softening the licensing criteria," he said.

Last month, lawmakers from Zimbabwe's main opposition struck a compromise with the government on constitutional reforms to allow joint legislative and presidential polls next year but called for a revamp of the country's media laws. - AFP

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