Home 9 News 9 Apology by Prime TV commendable – MISA Zambia

Apology by Prime TV commendable – MISA Zambia

24 Mar, 2020
MISA Zambia commends Prime TV for apologising to the government and the general public following a dispute arising from misunderstandings over the media’s role in COVID - 19 sensitisations.

MISA Zambia wishes to commend the decision taken by Prime TV to apologise to the government and the general public and further seek dialogue that aims to rebuild its relations following a dispute arising from misunderstandings over the media’s role in COVID-19 sensitisations.

Prime TV Proprietor Gerald Shawa tendered an apology to the government and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services on 23rd March 2020 and says the institution shall work with the government and other stakeholders to publicise sensitisation messages on COVID – 19 pandemic which has affected people at a global stage.

MISA Zambia finds the move taken by Mr. Shawa commendable and progressive as dialogue remains key in any conflict resolution process. Government remains a relevant stakeholder in issues surrounding media and development and as such, the move earlier taken by the government to cease relations with the TV station would have disadvantaged the institution as well as its viewers.

Equally, government needs the services of the media as a partner in development in order to communicate its plans and other information on development issues and other interventions especially in this critical moment where the country has reported cases of COVID – 19.

MISA Zambia wishes to call upon the government through the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Hon. Dora Siliya to accept the apology from Mr. Shawa in his capacity as well as on behalf of Prime TV as an institution and engage in dialogue that would benefit both parties and turn a new page.

Issued by

Hellen Mwale

MISA Zambia Chairperson

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

MISA congratulates Zambian media, government on media regulation

MISA congratulates Zambian media, government on media regulation

 The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Regional Office welcomes the launch of the Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia (MSCZ), which took place on 25 June 2025 in Lusaka, Zambia. We are particularly grateful that the Minister of Information and Media...

MSCZ launches

MSCZ launches

The Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia (MSCZ) today officially launched its Secretariat in Lusaka, marking a significant step forward in promoting ethical journalism, press freedom and accountability in the media sector. MISA Zambia Chairperson Lorraine...

MISA Regional Annual Report – Now Available!

MISA Regional Annual Report – Now Available!

Thanks to the number of elections worldwide, 2024 was unofficially declared the year of democracy. The year was dominated by elections across the region, with at least four countries — Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, and South Africa — heading to the polls. There was...