By ALICE NACHILEMBE
The Media Liaison Committee (MLC) has applauded the continued pronouncements from the UPND Government on the media especially on press freedom and the need for media reforms in Zambia.
Media Liaison Committee Chairperson Enock Ngoma said Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said in the short to medium-term, Government will reform the media landscape, including public media.
Mr Ngoma said Government will facilitate the installation of towers as well as FM radio services in all the districts.
He said the public and private media will be allowed to operate freely without interference and restrictions.
“We expect media houses to walk the talk on self-regulation and professionalism as they discharge their duties,” he said.
Mr Ngoma said MLC, agree that the issues as stated by the Minister are some of the pillars on which Press Freedom is guaranteed.
He said the process of coming up with a law that will guide the media profession in its quest to regulate itself is already underway.
Mr Ngoma said this week, the MLC will be handing over a Zambia Media Council Draft Bill of 2021 to the Minister of Information and Media for the Bill to undergo all the required processes before it is enacted into an Act of Parliament.
He said the need for comprehensive media reforms in Zambia cannot be over-emphasised so that apart from enhancing professionalism, also media operate in line with international media practice.”
Mr Ngoma said that the media should play their part by exhibiting high standards of ethical and professional journalism.
