Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dora Siliya says she is happy that Journalists have agreed to come together and chat the way forward on the subject of media self-regulation.
Ms. Siliya says this commitment which has been expressed through the upcoming media indaba is a step in the right direction.
Speaking to journalist at Daily Nation newspaper in Lusaka yesterday, Ms. Siliya said journalism needs to be recognized as a profession and as such, practitioners must come together and set standards for their craft.
She explained that Journalists both in the private and public sector are the same hence should have the same standards and adhere to the same professional code of ethics.
Ms. Siliya said the establishment of a media council that is backed by the law will help to cure, among other things, polarization which has characterized the media fraternity.
She also said the organization will also protect journalism from invasion by quack journalists.
Ms. Siliya said time had come for the profession to regain its position and status in society.
And Ms. Siliya has commended Daily Nation and other private media organisations for the role they have continued to play by providing platforms for information sharing by citizens.
She said this is important in creating a well-informed citizenry that effectively participate in the affairs of the nation.
Ms. Siliya said her ministry will continue facilitating the creation of a conducive environment for the private media to thrive through taxi incentives among others.
She emphasized that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services is responsible for the development of all media, public and privately owned and will do everything possible to ensure growth of a professional and yet profitable media industry.
And Daily Nation newspaper Managing Director, Richard Sakala said the Daily Nation Newspaper is dedicated to upholding the ethics of Journalism.
He said the Newspaper thrives to be factual, truthful and objective in the manner it carries its news.
Mr. Sakala said the newspaper strives to be a balanced newspaper that covers everyone regardless of political affiliation.
And Mr. Sakala appealed to the Minister to liaise with Finance Minister on issues regarding taxation.
He said newsprint has become expensive for the print media in the country because of the high taxes newspaper companies have to pay.
Mr. Sakala appealed to Government to consider zero rate of news print and other printing machinery if the print media in the country is to record significant growth.
Dora thank RB to award you a job in his PF. Thank Sata for dying.
Dora looked good in that outfit. Hope she no longer fornicate with that thug from Congo, the Rhumba promoter she found when she was unemployed after MMD.