By 
President Hakainde Hichilema has announced plans for the Bank of Zambia (BOZ) to establish a special fund to support media outlets affected by the ongoing energy crisis.
The fund aims to provide financial relief to help the media industry navigate disruptions caused by power shortages.
Speaking at the Media Owners Association of Zambia (MOAZ) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference in Lusaka on Wednesday, President Hichilema urged media owners to collaborate and invest in independent power generation to mitigate the effects of electricity supply disruptions.
The MOAZ AGM and Conference, held at Pamodzi Hotel, is themed “Media Resilience in the Face of Adversity – Overcoming Energy and AI-Driven Disruptions.”
President Hichilema encouraged media outlets to tap into the upcoming fund and invest at least US$3 million in power generation.
He emphasized that reforms in the energy sector, including provisions for independent power producers, power traders, net metering, and power blending, should be explored to ensure smooth operations.
“Interventions include reforms in the energy sector allowing independent power producers, power traders, net metering, and power blending, all of which media outlets should consider in order to operate smoothly,” he said.
Additionally, the President addressed the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the media industry, acknowledging both its potential and risks.
He called for regulations to be established to govern AI use and to prevent the spread of misinformation.
“MOAZ and the Government must work together to eliminate fake news, and editorial policies must always be truthful,” President Hichilema emphasized.
He also reiterated the vital role the media plays in society, particularly in communicating with the public on behalf of the government.
Reflecting on the past, he noted that while media outlets were shut down under the previous administration, none had been closed under the New Dawn Administration.
“The Government recognizes the value of having genuine media that promotes justice and accurate reporting,” he said.
President Hichilema also acknowledged the challenges faced by the government in effectively communicating its accomplishments and ongoing efforts, especially in light of food and energy insecurity exacerbated by drought conditions.
He assured the public that measures were being taken to address these issues.
Read More: Hichilema calls for digital investment to spur development across Africa
In her remarks, Acting Minister of Information and Media, Princess Kasune, commended media owners for their commitment to the sustainability, growth, and independence of the industry.
“This AGM comes at a time when the media industry is evolving rapidly, with new challenges and opportunities emerging daily,” she said.
Kasune highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between the government and the media to maintain a free, fair, and robust media environment, while upholding professionalism and ethical standards.
MOAZ president, Costa Mwansa, thanked President Hichilema for enacting the Access to Information Law, expressing hope that its implementation would help citizens hold the government accountable.
Mwansa also urged the government to provide incentives for the media industry, similar to those offered to the manufacturing and mining sectors.
“The government should recognize the media beyond the newsroom, but also as a business,” Mwansa advised.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments