Patriotic Front (PF) Information and Publicity Chairperson and Deputy Party Spokesperson Frank Bwalya has demanded for better working conditions for all journalists in both public and private media houses in the country.
Mr Bwalya urged the media to work harder than ever before to stop the perceived shameful practice of generating fake news as well as other unethical practices in the media fraternity.
He has also wished a happy World Press Freedom Day to all conventional journalists, bloggers, and all those practicing any form of journalism in Zambia.
In a statement made available today, Bwalya assured all media personnel in the country of the support from the ruling PF, adding that his party shall continue to respect the role journalists play as the Fourth Estate in Zambia and world at large.
Bwalya stated that as Zambia joins the global media fraternity in remembering and praying for journalists that have died on duty this past year especially those killed by enemies of media freedom, PF will ensure that violence or any ill treatment of reporters and media practitioners in general is not tolerated in Zambia.
The theme for 2017 press freedom day is ‘Critical minds for critical times: media’s role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies’ is relevant to the current happenings in our country Zambia.
And the PF Deputy Spokesperson said as Zambia continue to reflect on the theme for this year’s World Labour Day, PF will add a voice to the people calling for better working conditions for journalists in the country.
Bwalya expressed sadness that the rate at which the media is becoming plural and diverse is not matching the working conditions of reporters especially those working with private media houses in Zambia.
He further stated that the theme for 2017 is timely because of the growing global appreciation of the role of the media in advancing values and practices that enhance peace, justice and inclusiveness in the societies, stressing the need for transformation in the current journalism that would sustain its relevance and credibility across the world.
“There is need to transform the current journalism that would sustain its relevance and credibility across the world” Bwalya said
This is a good call and must be supported by all.
We all know know the reason mediaz like watchdog report in such a primitive manner is simply because of bad condition of work – that is to say if HH even pay them a ngwee. Look at how The Post started reporting, like mad people, not until a huge debt was uncovered did we realize that actually they childish reporting was as a result of poor work conditions, no wonder they could pay Tax.
We need to pay jounalists well so that they can see the truth which the world is seeing about Zambia and that is Zambia is doing extremmely well.
Its been rated as the 5th most attractive places to do business in world wide.
Give those those covering HH a good pay then you will see how they will report how well HH is being looked after behind bars.
i meant they couldnt pay tax
@munone you are sick. Do you ever see anything reasonable or balanced in the reporting by znbc, times of zambia, and daily mail plus daily nation? As long as this country has chaps like you who think everything from the ruling party is gospel truth then we are not going to develop baba. Be a radical and a realist. Leave fantasy to people like Frank Bwalya
From your flag avatar, I’d really hope your exposure would have really exposed you or for you to understand, ‘educated’ you. Alas NO, what a shame.
#bringbackthepost and enact #thefoibill that’s what will show respect not press statements
Where is The Post?
it was abducted by the corrupt and thieving pf government of Chakolwa Lungu Kadansa…
Response at 1.3 is directed at munone
How How can you demand for better conditions of journalists when you are trying to kill off independent media. It is like me saying that I want better conditions for a man who is on death row and scheduled to be killed tomorrow. Bwalya please stop smoking that stuff.
bwalya, how are you going to do that? you want it done but you dont no how to do it.
father frank bwalya chiyabi…….tell munone not to use uncouth language. Munone do not be excited writing thrash on this blog as if you are a villager visiting Lusaka for the first time…. if post wrote thrash , why do you speak thrash…..
Sometimes avoid being petty . Lungu does not buy mealie meal for you nor your hate for HH increase your income….
Be serious in life for once….
In a country where journalism is being blocked, mocked and destroyed by a government that can’t govern and one that is bent to arrest anyone who doesn’t agree with regime. Reinstate The Post! Even Sata left the media to their duties. Zambia needs a loud speaker through openness and transparency..! Freedom of speech is a fundamental right to all. Give the Zambians their freedom. Stop gauging them.
PF should do what UK Tories did – call for elections in July 2017. Lungu should give notice and stand down
Bwalya is talking rubbish, he just wants to be seen as doing something for his boss. He is next on the line to be fired..!
To contribute and make a difference, Bwalya should demand reduced food prices, fuel and affordable housing for all.
He is trying to sensitize the tension on media and start havoc in the country. He is the arsonist