President Hakainde Hichilema has challenged the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) to ensure that citizens, including those in remote areas, are well informed about government programmes being implemented across the country.
In a speech read on his behalf by Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa, during the launch of ZANIS Television Channel at the Mass Media Complex in Lusaka, President Hichilema reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting public access to information. He described the free flow of information as crucial for sustainable social and economic development.
The President praised the Ministry of Information and ZANIS management for achieving this long-awaited milestone. He commended the team for their dedication and urged them to maintain high production standards and inclusive news delivery across all districts.
“May I throw the challenge to ZANIS to ensure you keep this channel going by paying attention to the details of the production process and being inclusive in your news delivery,” the President said.
He further emphasized that the launch of ZANIS TV is a gift to the Zambian people, just days ahead of the nation’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. He said the new channel will serve as a platform for unity and public engagement.
Commitment to Press Freedom and Media Development
President Hichilema reiterated his government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for media growth, underscoring the importance of press freedom. He emphasized that his administration is working towards media self-regulation and access to information legislation to ensure transparency and accountability.
“During my inauguration, I made it clear that the mistreatment of journalists would be a thing of the past. We are committed to respecting press freedom because journalists are the backbone of democracy,” the President stated.
He also called on media professionals to adhere to ethical standards and uphold professionalism, highlighting the media’s role as the fourth estate in a functioning democracy.
Focus on Sustainability and Commercial Viability
Minister Cornelius Mweetwa encouraged ZANIS to explore commercial opportunities to sustain the new channel. He urged the department to collaborate with the corporate sector to generate revenue.
“Take this opportunity to advertise with the corporate world and generate funds for the department,” he advised.
ZANIS: A Channel for Transparency and Accountability
Thabo Kawana, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Media, emphasized that ZANIS is not just a public broadcaster but also a platform for public dialogue and engagement.
“The launch of the channel reflects the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the empowerment of Zambians,” Mr. Kawana said.
During a tour of the new facilities, ZANIS Director, Loyce Saili, highlighted the state-of-the-art equipment installed at the channel, enabling live broadcasts from all 116 districts across the country.
“We are now able to go live from any part of the country,” Ms. Saili said.
About ZANIS
ZANIS, the public relations wing of the government under the Ministry of Information and Media, was established in 2005 following the merger of the Zambia News Agency (ZANA) and Zambia Information Services (ZIS). The department’s core mandate is to interpret government policies and provide accurate, comprehensive information to encourage public participation in national development programmes.
Operating through three units—Editorial, Technical Services, and Research & Publications—ZANIS is the only media organization in Zambia with the capacity to provide extensive professional news coverage, thanks to its network of journalists stationed in regional offices, including rural areas where 70% of the population resides.
In addition to producing news content in text, video, and photographs, ZANIS distributes news to national and private media outlets, including Lusaka Times, ZNBC, Times of Zambia, Zambia Daily Mail, as well as commercial and community radio and television stations.
With the launch of ZANIS TV, the government hopes to strengthen its connection with citizens and promote a well-informed society, critical for Zambia’s democratic development.
More government mouthpieces; I hope they won’t cry foul when they are out of government.
See how lost your government is:
“Minister Cornelius Mweetwa encouraged ZANIS to explore commercial opportunities to sustain the new channel. He urged the department to collaborate with the corporate sector to generate revenue”
How can a government department seek “commercial opportunities”? Which corporate sector is he talking about?
Really does the minister know what he is talking about? Does his boss check on him for his job description and to ensure he is working? We are really throwing away our taxes freely to the wolves.
What is ZANIS doing that can’t be done by ZNBC? Now they will tell us to increase TV licenses because we watch two Muppet shows!
Free flow of information but Zambians can’t access it due to No
Power.
What is free flow of information? Does he mean free flow of lies from government to people?
An African will not develop because most of the time he’s on a campaign trail. Nobody works unless he tells them.
In the spirit of Marvin Gaye’s poignant question, “What’s Going On?”, I find it disheartening that while some nations are striving to advance, others seem to be taking significant steps backward. President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent remarks about enhancing information access through ZANIS are commendable, yet we must acknowledge the broader context.
What is ZANIS? And does it need Zambia’s attention?
As governments invest in infrastructure to ensure remote areas access high-speed Internet, we should reflect on the power of connectivity. In this digital age, where information is often at our fingertips, the challenge becomes not just about broadcasting messages but ensuring that every citizen is equipped to receive and understand them. Investing in the Lobito Corridor and similar initiatives is vital to prevent our communities from being left behind
The campaign machinery of the crooked, it will back fire once you become an opposition. Pipo are full awake this time. I bet you, you will not see any opposition on this channel unless they are being discredited… just saying
To truly empower our citizens, we need to prioritize not only the availability of information but also the tools that enable its consumption. Handheld devices equipped with high-speed Internet can bridge the gap, transforming passive viewers into active participants in their governance. We are at a pivotal moment where the free flow of information can shape our society. Let’s embrace this opportunity, ensuring that every Zambian, regardless of their location, is informed and engaged. After all, a well-informed citizenry is the backbone of sustainable development.
“the free flow of information can shape our society” The free flow of information is NEVER supervised by government. Only in China and North Korea. People need freedom from Big Brother
You will never find true un-biased Justice where the wicked, arrogant, biased individuals make the law… Bob Marley
We are all from our mother Zambia, we must learn to love one another, what happened to togetherness in ZED kanshi? Too much resentments…Do not be so much invested in politicians to them it is just a game. The worst enemy to an individual is not his neighbor ‘NO’ but the condition of his own heart.
This is not empowerment! It is government trying to hog the limelight. Government talking to you and you responding “Yes Bwana. You are right Bwana!” Government should not be involved in Public media in a democracy.
Kwena I have never heard of the British Information Services!