By KASONDE KASONDE –
THE Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has launched the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide radio and television stations.
IBA director general Josephine Mapoma said the SOPs would guide broadcasting stations in ethical and professional journalism.
Ms Mapoma said the guidelines would also guide broadcasting stations on sponsorship, fairness and privacy.
She said this at the launch of the SOPs in Lusaka yesterday.
“It is for this reason that IBA calls upon all radio and television stations to take time to read the SOPs and familiarise themselves with the contents, it is our desire as IBA to engage all our key stakeholders on matters of common interest,” Ms Mapoma said.
She thanked the Government for its support towards the development of the media which was evidenced by the suspension of customs duty on broadcasting transmission equipment for a period of two years.
Ms Mapoma said the media played an important role of processing information and providing a platform for interactive discussion about matters of importance to the community.
She added that the launch of the SOPs had come at an opportune time, adding that with the elections scheduled for August 11, the media was expected to play a vital role of promoting peace and stability through the manner in which messages were gathered, shaped and conveyed.
She thanked Government for its support towards the development of the media sector.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Permanent Secretary Godfrey Malama said Government was pleased that the IBA was promoting a diverse and pluralistic broadcasting industry in Zambia through fair, transparent and effective regulation.
Mr Malama appealed to all radio and television stations to conduct themselves in a professional manner and to fully comply with SOPs as part of their licensing conditions and as demanded by the IBA Act.
He said a professional and ethical media could play a role in discouraging the use of violence and hate speech and appeal for peaceful co-existence especially in an election year.
