Home 9 Media freedom 9 Free media is crucial to development: MISA Zambia

Free media is crucial to development: MISA Zambia

1 Dec, 2020
MISA Zambia says that without a vibrant media, the public’s right to receive information on matters of public interest from a variety of sources cannot be fulfilled and the free and open debate that is indispensable to the development of public policy cannot take place.

A free and independent media is crucial to the development of democracy in any country, MISA Zambia has said.

Speaking to the Parliamentary Committee on Information and Communication during a policy makers engagement meeting, MISA Zambia Chairperson Hellen Mwale in a speech read on her behalf says without a vibrant media, the public’s right to receive information on matters of public interest from a variety of sources cannot be fulfilled and the free and open debate that is indispensable to the development of public policy cannot take place.

“If Zambia is to develop as a free, open and democratic society and as a prosperous country, a climate in which a free, independent and pluralistic media can flourish becomes key'”, Mwale says.

Mwale reminded the policy makers that they are an important stakeholder in law development reform and that organizations such as MISA  rely on them for any law reform in Zambia.

And MISA Zambia National Director says there are still laws that hinge on media freedom and freedom of expression adding that there are no legal provisions which provide for the protection of the media during their course of duty and this affects their work.

Reports by MISA Zambia have shown a continuous decline in media freedom and freedom of expression in the country. Suffice to say, the media who make it possible for citizens to effectively express themselves continue to work under a harsh legal environment.

 

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 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...

MISA regional director appointed to African Union Working Group on AI

MISA regional director appointed to African Union Working Group on AI

MISA Regional Secretariat Director, Dr Tabani Moyo, has been appointed as member of the African Union (AU) Working Group on Artificial Intelligence. “We accept the responsibility thrust upon our shoulders with humility and honour in service of the peoples of Africa  …...

MISA launches fifth annual state of press freedom report

MISA launches fifth annual state of press freedom report

MISA Regional officially launched the fifth edition of the State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa report on 8 May 2025, a key evidence-based advocacy tool for improving the safety of journalists in the region.   The 2025 report was launched at the belated...

African Commission study on AI and emerging technologies in Africa

African Commission study on AI and emerging technologies in Africa

Introduction In February 2021, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) adopted Resolution 473 regarding the need to conduct a study on human and peoples’ rights and artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and other new and emerging technologies in...