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In this ongoing conversation to amplify voices on media freedoms, freedom of speech, and digital rights, we feature, Maxwell Luchile, a well-known religious leader and governance activist in Luapula province.
Luchile, the Executive Director of the Vision Network Foundation (VNF), began by acknowledging improvements in media freedoms and freedom of speech while expressing concern over social media abuse.
“At Vision Network Foundation, we see media freedom, freedom of the press, and digital rights as intertwined. Without a free press, we are suffocated as a nation and miss out on the valuable contribution of the media to national development,” he said.
Speaking with Zambia Monitor in Mansa, Luchile emphasized the vital role of the media in providing essential information to the people of Zambia.
“The media acts as a watchdog to maladministration, corruption, and other societal vices. That’s how crucial the media is,” he stressed.
Luchile observed that the media serves to inform, educate, and entertain, especially in situations like ours where access to various educational information from newspapers, radio, and television channels is essential.
He noted the rise of online newspapers in the country and emphasized the importance of a free press in maintaining democracy.
While acknowledging increased media space under the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration, Luchile called for balanced and ethical journalism that defends democracy.
Read more: Clergyman raises concern over abuses associated with digital rights and freedom of expression
“We would like to see balanced and ethical journalism in the country,” he said.
Regarding digital media, he remarked that the country was embracing technology relatively late, leading to excitement about online platforms but also mishandling of social media.
Luchile stressed the need to strengthen laws governing digital media to ensure users understand the implications of social media abuse.
“Users of digital platforms need to understand the implications of abusing social media. Cyber laws and defamation laws must be discussed,” he said.
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