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Government is happy that the Zambia Media Council (ZAMEC) has finally been launched as a self regulatory mechanism for the media industry in the country following the constitution of the national governing council (NGC).
Information and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Mwansa Kapeya said the birth of ZAMEC was testimony that under the Patriotic Front government, the environment was ripe for the growth of a free, independent and professional media.
Mr. Kapeya said this in Lusaka today when the Media Liaison Committee handed over the administration of ZAMEC to the newly constituted national governing council (NGC) which will be chaired by prominent medical and media practitioner Dr. Mannaseh Phiri.
Mr. Kapeya is confident that the NGC will effectively preside over the affairs of ZAMEC in promoting ethical and professional conduct among media practitioners in the country.
He urged members of the NGC to exercise the highest level of impartiality, objectivity and professionalism in dealing with public complaints and concerns against the media saying anything short of this could spell doom to the important body.
He said it was government’s expectation that the NGC will undertake wide and extensive publicity to popularize ZAMEC in order to maximize its relevance and service to the general public.
Mr. Kapeya said ZAMEC should not be a preserve of the elite and privileged few in Lusaka and other urban areas but should instead have structures countrywide so that its services are available and accessible to everyone regardless of their status in life.
He also urged members of the public to utilize ZAMEC in settling their grievances against the media.
Mr. Kapeya also called on the print and electronic media houses in the country, including online publications, to work together and guarantee the success of ZAMEC.
He said this was key in creating a well informed society which is a fundamental pre-requisite for a thriving democracy.
The Information Deputy Minister also commended and congratulated the Media Liaison Committee in particular and the media fraternity in general on the landmark achievement.
And in his acceptance speech, Chairperson of the National Governing Council Mannaseh Phiri pledged to ensure that the council is vibrant in order to deal effectively with the public’s complaints against the media industry in Zambia.
Dr. Phiri said the expectations of the Zambian people are huge and NGC will therefore strive to do its best to satisfy all stakeholders.
And Media Liaison Committee Chairperson Mickie Mumba commended the Zambian government for its tolerance when committee was putting its house in order.
Dr. Phiri will be deputized by Non Governmental Organisation Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Executive Director Ms. Engwase Mwale.
Council members include prominent lawyer Rodger Chongwe, Press Association of Zambia (PAZA) president Andrew Sakala, veteran journalist Edem Djokotoe, former Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) president Reuben Lifuka, Mr. Walubita Luwabelwa, Sr. Nawa Sililo, Mr. Mike Daka, Mr. Nyambe Muyumbana and Ms. Leah Kabamba
