Mchombo urges government to treat media as partners

Mchombo urges government to treat media as partners
By Christopher Miti in Chipata
Tue 28 June 2011, 08:40 CAT

THE head of the Anglican diocese in eastern Zambia says a well-informed citizenry will positively participate in the wellbeing of the nation.

In his congratulatory message to the Catholic-run Radio Maria Zambia, which clocked 12 years on June 21, 2011, Bishop William Mchombo said over the years Radio Maria had extended its coverage and introduced a number of programmes, which many listeners could relate to.

He said Radio Maria had provided a platform for many people who ordinarily would not have their voices heard on a number of issues that affected them in their daily lives.

Bishop Mchombo said the radio station runs educational, agricultural and other developmental programmes.

“We therefore implore government to recognise the work of Radio Maria including other private media as partners in development and enhance their growth and expansion. A well-informed nation would positively participate in the wellbeing of its nation,” he said.

Bishop Mchombo said he took cognisance of the fact that Radio Maria was the pioneer radio station in the province among the community and private radio stations and noted its steady growth with a lot of joy.

“We would like to convey our heartfelt congratulations to Radio Maria Zambia for clocking 12 years of spreading the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ and the dissemination of information in general to the people of Eastern Province over the airwaves,” Bishop Mchombo said.

Radio Maria, the first radio station to be opened in Eastern Province, started broadcasting on June 21, 1999.

Programmes director Fr Gabriel Kwaku Mwanza said the station would remain focused in its programmes.