MISA Zambia Vice Chairperson Hyde Haguta says it is unfortunate that the media in the country have continued to experience attacks from political party cadres and state agents.
Speaking at the launch of the State of the Media in Zambia report for the third quarter of 2018, Mr. Haguta said the lack of regard for the rule of law by those who are supposed to enforce the law affects media performance
He added that this breeds fear among journalists for their safety in their duties which ultimately affects the news gathering function and acts as a disservice to the masses.
Mr. Haguta, however, admonished journalists to maintain the highest professional standards possible and give the best efforts at all times.
The State of the Media in Zambia report is an assessment of the media landscape in the country in relation to political, economic, technological and legal environment.
Highlights of the period under review were:
- The use of Mingletainment app by Hot FM proved innovative considering the increase in its audience. The audience in areas, like Mongu, where it has no signal can watch presenters via the app provided there is internet connectivity.
- In addition to government continuing monitoring and treating as a direct attack any publication of divergent views, the media in the period was under heavy censorship. In the Times of Zambia, of 23rd August, government announced that about 200 Facebook pages were blocked.
- Rainbow newspaper Editor-in-Chief Derrick Sinjela pleaded guilty to content of court. Sinjela published or caused to be published an article titled ‘Zambia Supreme Court verdict in the Savenda vs Stanbic Bank is questionable. The journalist was charged for publishing a story which he had no evidence to support his claim of a ‘questionable’ verdict made by the Supreme Court. His sentencing is due on 20th December, 2018.
Full report can be accessed on: http://State of the Media Zambia 2018 Q3
