Be professional, journalists prodded
Hellen Mwale – MISA Zambia Chairperson
MISA Zambia has urged journalists in the country’s radio industry to be professional and honour their colleagues who are being persecuted all over the world for upholding ethics and telling the truth.
Chairperson, Hellen Mwale, says unless radio journalists upheld professional standards, the efforts that their persecuted colleagues have made towards a free media and society would be in vain.
Speaking at the 2017 Radio Indaba, Mwale reminded the participants that while they gathered at the conference some of their colleagues in other parts of the world are being repressed, punished, and even killed, for practicing their profession for the betterment of their society.
She advised that the best way to honour them is to maintain the highest professional standards possible, show leadership and moral courage, and give their best efforts at all times.
Mwale was however quick to advise journalists in the industry to be responsible as they push for freedoms of the media and expression in the country.
And speaking on the sidelines of the indaba, Wits Radio Academy Director, Franz Kruger, appealed to radio journalists in the country to be intelligent in their reporting and hold politicians accountable for their promises.
“I don’t think we should ignore politics. What is needed is journalism that is intelligent and covers all social aspects; therefore, all media houses need to urge their journalists to work harder and challenge politicians,” said Professor Kruger, who is also a member of the Press Council of South.
This year’s indaba is being held at Cresta Golfview in Lusaka under the theme Radio—Back to Basics and has attracted 100 radio journalists, media managers and media freedom advocates from all parts of the country.
About MISA Zambia
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia was founded in 1996. Its work focuses on promoting, and advocating for, the unhindered enjoyment of freedom of expression, access to information and a free, independent, diverse and pluralistic media.
