Print Media Must Evolve or Face Collapse, Says Minister

By Cimba Shepherd Nhamo


The print media industry has been warned to adapt to technological advancements and artificial intelligence (AI) or risk collapse, according to Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr. Jenfan Muswere.


Dr. Muswere delivered this warning during a lecture at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST)’s 11th Annual International Conference on Communication and Information Science.


Dr. Muswere emphasized that universities must take the lead in developing home-grown social media platforms to safeguard national and African sovereignty. He highlighted the dominance of social media platforms in advertising and marketing, citing Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms Inc., and TikTok, owned by ByteDance.


Dr. Muswere warned that reliance on international social media platforms threatens the sovereignty of African nations. He acknowledged the efforts of the Second Republic and President Mnangagwa in promoting technological advancements and innovation financing models.


Dr. Muswere urged the conference attendees to champion home-grown solutions, stating that sovereignty is no longer defined by physical borders, boundaries, and perimeters because disruptive technologies and the utilization of information science and artificial intelligence have altered the physical perimeters of our borders.


When asked about protecting print media from “extinction,” Dr. Muswere replied, “It’s up to them to adapt or face extinction.” The minister’s warning serves as a wake-up call for the print media industry to evolve and adapt to the changing technological landscape.


The print media industry has seen a significant decline in recent years, with sales of newspapers plummeting from over 100,000 to less than 10,000 per day. This decline can be attributed to the rise of digital media and social media platforms, which have become the preferred source of news and information for many people.


To survive, the print media industry must innovate and adapt to the changing media landscape. This can be achieved by investing in digital media, developing online platforms, and creating engaging content that appeals to a wider audience.


The minister’s warning highlights the need for innovation and adaptation in the face of technological advancements and changing consumer habits. By developing home-grown social media platforms and championing home-grown solutions, Zimbabwe can safeguard its national sovereignty and promote economic growth. The print media industry must take heed of this warning and adapt to the changing media landscape to survive.


Ultimately, the future of the print media industry depends on its ability to evolve and adapt to the digital age. With the right strategies and investments, print media can continue to play a vital role in shaping public discourse and holding those in power accountable. The clock is ticking, and the industry must act swiftly to avoid becoming obsolete.