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The Law Association of Zambia-LAZ has condemned Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili, Chongwe MP Sylvia Masebo and PF Secretary General Anthony Kasolo for attempting to interfere with ZNBC news content.
LAZ President George Chisanga says ZNBC is mandated to broadcast news related to all Zambians regardless of political, culture, religious and social affiliation.
Mr Chisanga says any attempt to infringe on the National broadcaster’s mandate is a serious abrogation of the constitutional right to freedom and restricts the flow of information to Zambians.
The LAZ President says it is critical that Zambians have access to information to enable them have the opportunity to evaluate the views and opinions of all political stakeholders in order to make informed decisions.
On Sunday Youth and Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili stormed ZNBC Newsroom and harassed staff, and ordered them to drop stories on PF National Chairperson Inonge Wina and UPND President Hakainde Hichilema.
But Mr Kambwili has denied that he harass staff when he stormed the ZNBC Newsroom.
And it has come to the attention of ZNBC that Mr Robert Kamalata, the Senior Private Secretary in the Office of the Vice President, did NOT threaten any newsroom staff with dismissals but merely called to explain what had transpired in the PF Central Committee
meeting chaired by the Acting President Guy Scott.
And the The Zambian Voice has backed the Board and Management of ZNBC for its stance to stop the harassment of newsroom staff and interference in news content by some government officials and politicians.
Executive Director Chilufya Tayali says journalists must be given the space to professionally execute their duties.
Mr. Tayali says in a democracy, divergent views must be accommodated and tolerated.
Meanwhile, The Citizens Forum Central Province Chapter has condemned the action by some politician to harass ZNBC newsroom staff.
And United Party for National Development UPND President Hakainde Hichilema is disappointed by the manner the PF government is controlling ZNBC in order to influence the mind of people ahead of the presidential elections.
Mr. Hichilema has described the harassment of news staff at the national Public broadcaster as unacceptable.
Mr Hichilema has also condemned the instructions by Information Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo that journalists should seek guidance from his Ministry before airing such matters.
He says members of the public have the right to know what is happening
