By MAIMBO MWEEMBA
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga, has urged the media to increase the range of electoral content in their coverage.
Mr Malupenga said the media should also focus on issue-based electoral agenda in the election coverage and coverage of voices of ordinary people.
He has reminded the media to pay attention to electoral processes, as elections are not about one event such as nominations or the election date.
Mr Malupenga said this during the launch of the Voter’s Voice Pre-election monitoring report by MISA Zambia for the period March to May 2021.
He said part of the challenges highlighted in the report may be traced to the media’s lack of familiarity with electoral issues such as the electoral code of conduct, electoral laws, and rules.
“The Media has a duty to ensure the public is informed on all electoral processes for them to participate effectively in the elections; there is need for the media to balance stories as a report indicates that 76% of the stories surveyed are not balanced,” he said.
And MISA Zambia National Chairperson Hellen Mwale said the Voter’s Voice Pre-election and monitoring report is a first in a series of projects to be undertaken.
“The project is aimed at strengthening a free and independent media in the coverage of elections, I also wish urge the police to continue providing protection for journalists as the country goes into campaigns,” he said.
