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Media should operate independently, says KK

Media should operate independently, says KK
By Agness Changala
Sun 25 Oct. 2009, 04:01 CAT

DR Kenneth Kaunda (left) has said it is extremely important for both the public and private media to operate independently without undue influence or intimidation from any quarter.

Giving his keynote speech at the 20th anniversary of the Zambia Institute of Mass Communication (ZAMCOM) in Lusaka on Friday, Dr Kaunda said the media needed to work under a conducive atmosphere which encouraged and promoted freedom of the press.

“The media’s role is to inform and entertain the public and in fulfilling its role in dissemination of information, it is important that it does so without fear or favour especially in presenting editorials,” he said.

“In this way, the public can be assured of receiving unbiased and uncensored information on many issues including economic, social and political developments.”

Dr Kaunda observed that people the world-over took as gospel truth the information that was disseminated by the media, hence the need for professional and truthful presentation of information in line with journalistic ethics which must be held to the highest standards at all times.

He said the media was a very powerful institution which could either destroy or build the standing in society of governments, organisations or individuals.

“That is why it is extremely important, in keeping with the rules of natural justice, for fairness and balance in its dissemination of information,” he said.
Dr Kaunda also called on journalists to embrace investigative journalism in order to bring out the truth, saying where necessary, action could be taken by the relevant authorities.

He further said during elections, the media must give fair and equal coverage to all the political parties contesting the polls whether they were in the government or opposition.

“This is necessary so as to level the playing filed for all the contestants. The media therefore should have no favourites or enemies in executing its role of dissemination of information,” said Dr Kaunda.

And German Ambassador to Zambia Frank Meyke said a free, independent and vibrant media was the lifeblood of democracy.

Ambassador Meyke also said truthful and courageous journalism was the foundation for stable democracy and human rights in his country.

He observed that Zambia internally enjoyed the well deserved reput
ation of democratic, stable and peaceful country with a vibrant civil society and free independent media.

“Freedom of the press in Zambia and the efforts of ZAMCOM in promoting freedom of the press have considerably contributed to this good image. As partners…Germany takes great interest in the democratic future of Zambia,” he said.

Ambassador Meyke also expressed hope that the media in Zambia would continue to play an important role as guardians of democracy, particularly helping to ensure the country held free and fair elections in 2011.

Meanwhile, ZAMCOM chairperson Flavia Chishimba said the media and communication sector was key to the realisation of the national Vision 2030 and achieving the goals set out in the Fifth national Development Plan (FNDP) as the country worked towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Chishimba said it was with this realisation that ZAMCOM endeavoured to provide the needed training to journalists for them to make their contribution to the achievement of the national vision.

Labels: KENNETH KAUNDA, MEDIA, ZAMCOM

posted by MrK @ 6:04 PM