MISA describes 2009 as most discouraging

MISA describes 2009 as most discouraging
By Fridah Zinyama
Sun 03 Jan. 2010, 04:01 CAT

THE Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia has described the year 2009 as one of the most discouraging because of the threats, intimidations, harassments and the government’s commitment to introducing punitive laws to suppress freedom of the press.

And MISA-Zambia chairperson Henry Kabwe has urged government to take back the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill to Parliament this year as it will enhance transparency in the government and repeal all the draconian laws that impede on media freedom.

In a statement released yesterday, Kabwe stated that the year 2009 saw an increase in harassments and sustained biased coverage in both government-controlled and some private media houses.

“Having reflected on the events which have taken place in the media in 2009, it suffices to say that the government lacks political will to enhance media freedom in the country, as it concentrates on introducing more laws to stifle media freedom,” he stated.

Kabwe stated that the year 2009 was characterised by harassments, threats and violence against journalists which created a very unhealthy environment for the media.

“The government has dedicated most of its time in trying to muzzle the media, hence there has been no progress in the implementation of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Act and the ZNBC Act of 2002,” he noted.

Kabwe stated that even as the media was working towards a self regulatory framework, it was important for the government to show some commitment in implementing the aforementioned laws.

“It is very sad that after 18 years, the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) government has failed to repeal bad media laws in Zambia and has up to now failed to implement the progressive IBA and ZNBC Acts,” he stated.

Kabwe further noted that 2009 saw an increase in incidences where people masquerading as journalists were tarnishing the image of the press through misconduct.

“Some of them were arrested for crimes like stealing,” he stated.

Kabwe also reminded the government of the important role the media played in the democratic dispensation.

“Freedom of expression and access to information is a cornerstone of democracy and therefore, if our government claims to be committed to upholding principles of democracy, it should create an environment where the media can carry out their work free of interference,” he stated.

And Kabwe stated that there was need for the government to take back the Freedom of Information Bill to Parliament this year as it would enhance transparency in government.

“We would also like to thank all members of parliament, civil society and general members of the public who have been supportive of the media in 2009 and we urge them to continue with the same spirit in 2010 as we advocate for a free and independent media,” he added.

“As we go into the year preceding the 2011 elections, we call upon all media institutions, government controlled and private, to be fair and balanced in their coverage of political parties.”

Kabwe said this would enhance professionalism and responsibility unscathed by political or economic interests, adding that political parties should also respect every citizen’s right to expression and not resort to violence when aggrieved.