Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), Director General Webster Malido has strengthened collaboration between the Authority and the Zambia Police Service aimed at promoting peace, security and responsible broadcasting ahead of the August 13 General Elections.
Mr Malido said this during a courtesy call on Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba in Lusaka today.
He explained that the existing working relationship between the Zambia Police Service and the IBA, is vital in enabling the Authority to effectively execute its statutory mandate.
“We believe there is still more we can do together to strengthen this partnership in the interest of the people of Zambia,” he said.
Mr Malido noted that the Zambia Police Service and the IBA perform complementary roles in maintaining national stability and public confidence.
He explained that Article 193 (2) of the Constitution of Zambia mandates the Zambia Police Service to preserve peace and maintain law and order, while the IBA was mandated to ensure broadcasting stations contribute to preserving public safety, security, peace, welfare and good order.
He further thanked the Zambia Police Service for supporting the Authority during the recently held Election Reporting Capacity Building Workshop in Choma.
“This engagement helped improve the media’s understanding of security matters during election reporting and we are grateful for the support rendered by the Zambia Police Service,” he said.
He added that as the Authority continues conducting similar capacity building workshops across the country, it would continue relying on the Zambia Police Service for collaboration and support.
Mr Malido also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and security of media houses, journalists and broadcasting personnel, especially during the electoral period.
He also noted that the Regulation Authority looks forward to continued collaboration and support from the Zambia Police Service in safeguarding media institutions and personnel as they undertake their duties across the country.
Meanwhile, Zambia Police Inspector General Graphel Musamba reaffirmed that the Zambia Police Service was committed to working with stakeholders, including the media, in preserving peace and security before, and after the elections.
Inspector General Musamba noted that the collaboration between the Zambia Police Service and the IBA reflected the critical role the Authority plays in ensuring broadcasting serves the interests of the public.
He stressed that with information spreading rapidly through various media platforms, responsible journalism has become indispensable, particularly as the country prepares for the August 13 elections.
“The media plays an important role in informing the public, thus accurate and factual reporting is key to preserving peace,” he said.
Mr Musamba assured the nation that the police service will provide adequate security to members of the public, media houses and journalists during the electoral period.
Mr Musamba further stated that the Zambia Police Service remains open to dialogue and continued engagement with stakeholders in order to preserve peace and security before, during and after the elections.
IBA is a sellout organization. Their offices should move from Mass Media to Red Brick. They are a very happy wing of the Police force and should just be given sunglasses and unmarked Police cars. Yesterday a classmate wrote LT to check whether Zambia isn’t a police state. When you have police and media monitoring bodies proudly posing and smiling for media photos you are in Pyongyang or in the Third Reich.