. Katema

By CATHERINE NYIRENDA –

INFORMATION and Broadcasting Services Minister Joseph Katema has appealed to
private media institutions to be responsible in their reporting and safeguard peace and security the country has enjoyed for 50 years.


Dr Katema said irresponsible reporting could compromise the peace and security of the country.


He said at Mobi Television studios, during his continued tour of media institutions in Lusaka that as private media institutions champion their editorial agenda, they should be mindful that they have the duty to protect the country.


“The PF Government has created a conducive environment for media institution to operate in but as you set your own reports and editorial agenda to enhance freedom of expression, you should ensure that you report responsibly as patriotic citizens,” Dr Katema said.


Dr Katema said media institutions should be patriotic as they had a duty to unite and build the country.


He was impressed with the business innovations and urged the institution to sustain operations.


“The dangers of relying on outside finances is that they would control your editorial policies and this might render you irrelevant to the public,” he said.


Mobi Television executive director Francis Chapota called on Government to waive duty on broadcasting equipment to promote the growth of the industry in the country which employs a number of young people.


“Broadcasting equipment is very expensive, as such it hinders the growth of the media industry in the country which could grow as big as the Nigerian film industry,” he said.
Earlier, the minister toured Muvi Television and was also impressed with the institution’s innovation which had made it survive in the competitive market.

Muvi Television general manager Costa Mwansa suggested that a consideration should be made to not only roll out digital terrestrial migration but also satellite services considering the country’s terrain.


He said Government should also consider encouraging companies to manufacture device boxes that would be used in digital terrestrial services in Zambia to create employment and avoid dumping from other countries.


The minister also toured Prime Television offices which were opened in Lusaka recently.