Zambia Communique 6 October 2014 Chisanga urges govt to - TopicsExpress

Zambia Communique 6 October 2014 Chisanga urges govt to provide enabling environment for media The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) president George Chisanga says there is urgent need for political and civic education on the importance of media freedom and human rights. Speaking during the Lucy Sichone/Bright Mwape awards organised by the Press Freedom Committee of The Post at the Southern Sun in Lusaka on Friday evening, Chisanga urged the government to provide an enabling environment for the media in the country so that verbal and physical harassment of journalists can be reduced reports The Post newspaper of 5 October 2014. “I wish to urge the government to ensure that it provides an enabling environment for the media in this country. Right now, there are various issues affecting the media in this country such as verbal and physical harassment. I’m convinced that now more than ever, there is urgent need for political and civic education of the masses, particularly political players, on the importance of media freedom and human rights,” he said. Chisanga said Sichone’s works were being appreciated through the Zambia Civic Education Association, an organisation she founded in 1993, which had continued to sensitise Zambians on their rights. He further said Mwape was a gallant journalist who carved his name in the media industry through his works of bravery and that he deserved to be emulated. “…There seems to be ignorance by many on the role journalists play in society. Equally, many citizens do not understand their inherent rights and freedoms which should not be infringed upon. The onus therefore is on the government to ensure that people are enlightened on these two subjects,” he said. Chisanga said the government should also look into the relaxation of certain requirements in the establishment of radio and television stations. “There are certain requirements under the IBA Act that completely rule away starters in the media industry. For example, for someone starting a community radio station, they are required, among others, to have not less than K60,000 in their bank account. This is not favourable for the development of the media industry,” said Chisanga. ends//