. KAMBWILI

By CHILA NAMAIKO –

GOVERNMENT has urged radio stations to desist from being used as platforms for causing disunity but should aspire for the highest level of ethical and professional standards.

Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Chishimba Kambwili said radio stations should help foster peace, unity and development for the good and wellbeing of the citizenry.

Mr Kambwili who is also chief Government spokesperson called on the media to ably carry out the mandate to inform, educate and entertain the masses.

“Government, under the leadership of His Excellency President Edgar Lungu, re-affirms its commitment to creating an enabling environment for the continued role and growth of radio in national development,” he said.

He was speaking on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) radio and television when he launched this year’s World Radio Day commemoration which falls today under the global theme: ‘The role of radio in humanitarian emergency and disaster situations.’

Zambia marks three-years in commemorating the day, a sign of Government’s commitment to radio in enhancing the free flow and public access to information.

Declared in 2011 under the auspices of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Culture Organisation (UNESCO), Mr Kambwili said, the day provided an opportunity for radio journalists to review and renew their commitment to professional use of radio to keep the masses abreast of world events.

The theme was also important as humanitarian emergencies and disasters like droughts and floods which have become a common occurrence worldwide, Zambia inclusive.

Mr Kambwili said for Zambia, the commemoration has become more important and relevant today than ever before.

This follows Government’s liberalisation of airwaves, establishment of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) and other policy interventions in the broadcasting sector, with the result that no fewer than 80 community and commercial radio stations were now on air countrywide.

He hailed the church and communities for responding well to Government’s policy to liberalise the airwaves by investing massively in the establishment of community radio and television stations.

Zambia commemorated World Radio Day in Lusaka last year, with a public exhibition where Lusaka-based radio stations showcased their services.