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The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia has strongly opposed the government’s proposal to introduce statutory media regulation, warning that it poses a serious threat to press freedom and media independence.
MISA Zambia Chairperson, Lorraine Chisanga, issued a statement on Monday in response to remarks by Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, who suggested that statutory regulation could be used to curb what he termed “alarmists.”
Chisanga emphasized that a free and independent press is essential for holding power to account, informing the public, and fostering national development.
She warned that statutory regulation would create an environment of control and suppression, undermining journalists’ constitutional rights.
“MISA Zambia firmly believes that journalists play a crucial role in keeping the nation informed. Their work should be recognized and supported rather than stifled,” she stated.
Chisanga also stressed that journalists already faced significant challenges, including access to information barriers and threats to their safety.
Implementing statutory regulation, she argued, would only worsen these conditions.
Instead, MISA Zambia is advocating for the operationalization of media self-regulation, which Chisanga said would uphold ethical journalism standards while preserving media independence.
“We urge the government to engage stakeholders in developing a legal and policy framework that strengthens media freedom rather than suppressing it,” she added.
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