Maravi

Press freedom makes govt stronger, says Chanda

Press freedom makes govt stronger, says Chanda
By Namakau Nalumango
Thursday April 17, 2008 [04:00]

PRESS freedom does not undermine the government in any way but makes it stronger, World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) organising committee chairperson Amos Chanda has said. Briefing the press ahead of WPFD which falls on May 3, at MISA-Zambia offices yesterday, Chanda said it was easier for the government to run the country if people were well informed.

“When press freedom is allowed, it’s easier to rule because people would have been well informed. This also creates less tension in the country,” he said.

Chanda commended the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on the consultations it was making over the Freedom of Information (FoI) bill before it could be taken to Parliament.

He called the media to use the opportunity while consultation was going on over the FoI to create awareness by informing the public.

Chanda hoped that even radio stations would increase their programming, with an inclination towards the need for a free press.

Labels: AMOS CHANDA, FREEDOM OF SPEECH, GOVERNANCE

posted by MrK @ 5:38 AM