Home 9 Access to information 9 Production of local language publications to improve access to information?

Production of local language publications to improve access to information?

5 Dec, 2017
Brenda Bukowa With 68 percent of Zambians living in poverty and literacy levels standing at 55.3 percent with more pronouncement in females than males, publication of newspapers and magazines in various local languages can be key to information dissemination to the general public. This can further increase public understanding of national issues and in turn […]

Brenda Bukowa

With 68 percent of Zambians living in poverty and literacy levels standing at 55.3 percent with more pronouncement in females than males, publication of newspapers and magazines in various local languages can be key to information dissemination to the general public.

This can further increase public understanding of national issues and in turn strengthen the practice of freedom of expression at community level.

Earlier this year, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Kampamba Mulenga, on her visit to Zambia News and Information Service (ZANIS) studios in Kasama stressed the need to start printing various news in local languages as a way of informing and educating the public.

She said the media plays a critical role in fostering development and ensuring that people stay informed and educated by disseminating information to the people living in different communities.

And Brenda Bukowa, a media expert, says the move citing that it will enhance people’s participation on national issues because they will now understand the information that is being presented in the newspapers and magazines.

She notes that publication of newspapers and magazines in various local languages will significantly improve the public’s access to information and freedom of expression because people will now talk from things they understand.

Bukowa has further stressed on the need to put quality content in the newspapers and journals that will attract people to buying them.

Meanwhile, Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) Executive Director, Chifwembe Mwenge, says the move is welcome and will really help a lot of people access information and understand what is going on in the country especially that few people can read and write English.

He reiterated the need to diversify the circulation process of the newspapers and magazines from places along the line of rail to all parts of the country to ensure that people get informed and educated on issues surrounding them.

He further acknowledged the cost that comes with the printing process especially that very few people can afford buying newspapers and magazines on a daily basis.

About MISA

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) was founded in 1992. 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.

Share this

Related news

61 YEARS OF PEACE AND UNITY

61 YEARS OF PEACE AND UNITY

PRESS STATEMENT For Immediate Release LUSAKA, Friday, 24th October 2025 – MISA Zambia today joins other stakeholders in celebrating the country’s 61st Independence Anniversary under the theme “61 Years of Peace and Unity: Building a Resilient and Prosperous Zambia.”...

Africa Human Rights Day Statement

Africa Human Rights Day Statement

Africa Human Rights Day, observed annually on 21 October, offers a chance to reflect on the progress achieved in advancing human rights, whilst addressing the persistent challenges that still threaten these advances. This year’s commemorations, held under the theme...

FOX Fellowships ( Call for Applications)

FOX Fellowships ( Call for Applications)

DW Akademie in collaboration with the Spaces of Solidarity coalition of Media Freedom Advocates offer five FOX Fellowships of 1,000 EUR (~ 1,100 USD) for activists, media professionals, media freedom and freedom of expression advocates to foster free expression in the...

News

/ MISA on Twitter

[fts_twitter twitter_name=MISAZambia tweets_count=3 cover_photo=yes stats_bar=no show_retweets=no show_replies=no]