Media Owners Association of Zambia (MOAZ) Chairperson for Print and Online, Joseph Mwenda, has accused officials from the Ministry of Information and Media of defying President Hakainde Hichilema’s position against state-led media regulation.
Speaking on Hot Seat radio programme, Mwenda, who is also Editor-in-Chief of News Diggers, said President Hichilema has made it clear that his administration does not intend to regulate the media, but some ministry officials appear to be pushing forward with efforts that contradict this stance.
“I don’t know who produced the bill in question, but it could not have come from the Media Liaison Committee. What we are seeing is contrary to what the President has said about media freedom,” Mwenda stated.
Meanwhile, Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia Chairperson, Kennedy Mambwe, expressed concern over certain journalists advocating for the Zambia Institute of Journalism Bill, suggesting that they may be motivated by interests that go beyond protecting journalists’ rights and welfare.
“Those pushing for this bill may have an ulterior motive. It’s not entirely about protecting journalism or journalists,” Mambwe said.
On her part, MISA Zambia Programmes Manager Jane Chirwa defended the professionalism of the Zambian media, noting that despite pressures and threats, media institutions have successfully defended themselves in court.
“We have witnessed professionalism in the media. There have been cases that were meant to intimidate journalists, but these have been won in court,” said Chirwa.
The debate over the Zambia Institute of Journalism Bill continues to stir reactions among media stakeholders, with growing calls for transparency, inclusivity, and commitment to media freedom in any proposed legal reforms.