Don’t use freedom of speech to defame and abuse innocent people-Kambwili

GOVERNMENT has urged the media not to abuse freedom of speech to defame and abuse innocent people in the country.

Meanwhile, Government has introduced a tax holiday for imports of broadcasting equipment from now up to 2017.

Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Chishimba Kambwili said Government was disappointed with some media houses that had failed to adhere to ethical journalism.

“Some newspapers have introduced a strange type of journalism which includes tapping private phone conversations, using vulgar language and other indiscretions alien to journalism,” Dr Kambwili said.

The minister said this in Lusaka in a speech read on his behalf by his deputy Forrie Tembo yesterday during commemoration of the 25th International Press Freedom Day whose theme was ‘Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms :This is Your Right’.

He said the Patriotic Front (PF) Government had operationalised the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) with the view to enhance access to information by citizens.

Government had also introduced tax holiday for imports of broadcasting equipment in the country to allow the expansion of the media.

Lusaka World Press Freedom Day organising committee chairperson Enock Ngoma urged the media to be ethical and factual in their reporting ahead of this year’s general elections.

Mr Ngoma urged President Edgar Lungu to prevail over the signing into law of the Access to Information Bill as he had done on the Republican Constitution because ATI was beneficial to many stakeholders. And United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) director general Irina Bokova said receiving and sharing information in any country was a cornerstone to democracy and good governance.

Ms Bokova in a speech which was read by UNESCO country director Nonde

Chilonga said that a strong environment for Press freedom was important to finding solutions for global challenges.

In Chipata, Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo said without the Press, people could not make important decisions on a number of areas, because they may not have information.

Mr Kasolo said it was for this reason that the Government had created an enabling environment for the media which has necessitated the establishment of various media outlets in the country.

He said Government would always protect journalists in their line of duty adding that no journalists should be attacked while on duty.

Speaking earlier, Chipata Press Club vice-chairperson Osward Yambani said most media practitioners were not free to carry out their duties for fear of being attacked by some political players.

And Copperbelt Province Minister Mwenya Musenge has urged media personnel in the country to be professional in the way they report on issues affecting the country.

Mr Musenge said journalists should be responsible in the way they report issues to better inform the public.

“Journalists have now become rumour mongers as they do not dig and follow through to get the real stories, there is need for you to be responsible so that those who push for the Access to Information Bill are not scared to do so,” Mr Musenge said.

He was speaking in a speech read for him by Copperbelt Deputy Permanent Secretary Elias Kamanga during the commemoration of world press freedom day held in Kitwe yesterday.

Press Association of Zambia (PAZA) president Andrew Sakala has called on Government to put up laws that would protect journalists as the country heads towards election time.

He said Journalists are expected to pass critical information to the public hence the need to enact the laws.

Northern Region Media Club chairperson Misheck Wangwe called for the protection of journalists by Government as the country heads towards the polls.