By ALICE NACHILEMBE
The Zambia Institute of Independent Media Alliance (ZIIMA) says the decision made by Minister of Information and Media Chushi Kasanda to dissolve boards of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) and Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) is a step in a right direction.
ZIIMA president Jajah Coulibaly said that the integrity of the two institutions had become questionable for the media body that looks at the welfare of journalists and media houses.
Mr Coulibay said that the expectation is that the incoming boards will be professional and serve the people of Zambia with dignity especially if journalists themselves lead.
He said ZIIMA and other stakeholders still recall how these sensitive institutions contributed to shrinking democratic space using threats and closure of media houses.
He said the situation that tainted Zambia’s image to the outside world, this can only be avoided and corrected if such jobs are given to those with a passion to grow and improve the media landscape in the country.
“We are ready to offer support and guidance to the new team at the Ministry of Information and Media especially where media development is concerned for a free and financially independent press in Zambia,” he said.