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The government has identified poor programme moderation, inadequate presentation skills, and failure to address audience concerns as key challenges affecting the media’s role as a pillar of democracy.
Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, warned that if left unaddressed, these issues could erode public trust in the media.
Speaking at the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Capacity Building Workshop in Kabwe on Wednesday, Mweetwa urged broadcasters to ensure their content is accurate, responsible, and free from misinformation.
He emphasized that media houses should avoid unverified claims, hate speech, and divisive rhetoric, as such practices threaten national unity and social stability.
“The media should be wary of unscrupulous individuals who seek to sow division based on ethnicity, political affiliation, or personal grievances,” Mweetwa cautioned.
He advised broadcasters to promote unity, respect, and harmony by carefully selecting programme guests who provide factual and constructive insights.
Mweetwa also encouraged the media to expand its coverage beyond politics, highlighting untold stories of community development, success, and resilience.
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“Here in Central Province, as in the rest of Zambia, there are many untold stories of development. Showcasing the impact of initiatives like the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) can inspire positive change,” he stated.
Reaffirming government’s commitment to media freedom, Mweetwa assured that no broadcasting station would be shut down for political reasons.
He acknowledged the challenges media houses faced due to drought and electricity shortages, pledging government support to mitigate their impact.
Mweetwa further noted that the suspension of excise duty on broadcasting equipment imports until December 31, 2026, provided an opportunity for media houses to reduce costs and invest in high-quality equipment.
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