Government courts Zambian Media Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Mwamba is courting Zambian media with emphasis that ethical reporting must be exhibited for the good of all citizens regardless of socio-economic, political, religious preferences. Speaking at the New Government Complex in Lusaka today-Wednesday 3rd October 2013, Mwamba reiterated that the media was not regarded as a fourth estate by mistake but as a result of its equal status alongside the executive, the judiciary and the legislature. Mwamba, a journalist by profession observed that as partners with the Government and electronic, print media houses as well as individual practitioners could either break or build peaceful co-existence in any nation state. In an apparent reference to the past, Mwamba allayed fears that the Government and its structures were enemies of the Press, pointing out the need for unity of purpose among print and electronic media houses on one hand, and Government officials and its structures on the other hand. In a report compiled by Pan African Radio 105.1FM journalists Ashton Kelly Bunda and Derrick Sinjela, Mwamba argued that the need for reconciliation had become more apparent now that Zambia moved closer to celebrating her 50-years of self-rule or the Golden Jubilee, in 2014 as turning point on which to evaluate good and bad policy achievements. Mwamba pointed out that since the board for the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) did not require parliamentary approval, Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Minister Mwansa Kapeya would soon announce board members while their counterparts at Zambia National broadcasting Corporation were still being scrutinized. However, Mwamba expressed regret that the Independent Broadcasting Authority had not been proactive, thus concern raised during the meeting that granting of licenses criteria smelt a rat. Mwamba urged media houses to emulate QFM Radio, who applied and had granted a nationwide broadcasting license. On cross ownership, Mwamba reiterated that the Independent Broadcasting Authority prohibited cross ownership of media outlets as such practices entrenched monopoly. Mwamba cited Prime Television and Joy FM Radio, Explorer Radio and Chipata Television, Komboni Radio and Muvi Television, as media houses owned by one individual or a couple. Meanwhile, Mwamba has tasked MIBS Director-Press and Media Development Isaac Chipampe to convene regular interactions with media houses. On a lighter note, Chipampe, previously engaged as Zambia Daily Mail Managing Director, observed that as a journalist from a print media background, he did not anticipate that the Government, Media Heads and News Editors would not take long. Muvi Television General Manager Costa Mwansa encouraged consensus building, while his compatriot Mabvuto Phiri wondered why journalists continued receiving calls from State House, pointing out a need to access government accreditation. derricksinjela
Posted on: Thu, 03 Oct 2013 16:24:44 +0000
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