Media efforts praised

Government says the media has scored success in their operations although a lot still needs to be done for the industry to operate effectively.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Lt Gen Ronnie Shikapwasha said the media has done a lot in promoting democracy in the country.

Gen Shikapwasha said it is because of the media’s determination and contribution in reporting objectively on various issues that the nation has continued to enjoy peace.

Gen Shikapwasha who is also chief government spokesperson told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that the media has performed well in the past adding that it should continue working hard to achieve its intended goals.

He said the media industry in the country has been a beacon to other countries worldwide in the way it has performed its duties.
He said the nation has recorded over 40 radio stations and a number of private owned TV stations from 1996 to date a symbol he described as an achievement on both the part of media and government.

Yesterday Change Life Zambia Executive Director Fr Frank Bwalya said the media has failed to champion real issues that border on national development

He said there has been a lack of commitment and performance on the side of the media adding that their impact has been low and very minimal.

Fr Bwalya said this during a media consultative meeting organized by the Norwegian Church Aid in Lusaka.
He charged that the media needs a radical transformation to acquire a stature that would exert pressure and influence to produce desired results in the development of the nation.

However Fr Bwalya was quick to point out that the media has had some success but much remains to be done.

Fr Bwalya has since urged the media to reform in order to score meaningful development.

ZANIS