Information and Media Minister Chushi Kasanda says progress towards the enactment of the Access to Information (ATI) Bill has been made.
Ms Kasanda who is also Chief Government Spokesperson said consultations of incorporating the views of stakeholders into the Draft ATI Bill have been concluded.
She said soon after coming into office, the New Dawn Government recalled the ATI Bill from the Ministry of Justice and circulated it to stakeholders so that they could have an input in its formulation.
Ms Kasanda said the bill is now being finalized in readiness for re-submission to the Ministry of Justice.
She said with the support and facilitation of Government, the process to enact the Zambia Media Council – ZAMEC Bill by which the media propose to regulate themselves, has also advanced.
Ms Kasanda said Government is working closely with the media fraternity to ensure this process is concluded as soon as possible.
She said this when she launched the commemorations of the 2022 World Press Freedom Day on ZNBC Radio and Television this evening.
World Press Freedom Day will be held under the theme “Journalism under Surveillance.”
Ms Kasanda also said government has stamped out violence against media practitioners as the public and private media houses are now free to feature anyone on their platforms regardless of political affiliation.
She said Government is concerned with the escalation of the abuse of the cyber space by some people who have taken it as their occupation to spread falsehoods and other social vices using various social media platforms.
The minister has since urged the public to avoid doing so as there is the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act Number 2 of 2021 that prohibits abuse of the cyber space.
Ms Kasanda said government, has high expectations of the event in its efforts to promote the growth of a free, independent and professional media.
She said World Press Freedom Day is important in raising national and international awareness on the role and importance of the media in the development and well-being of humanity.
