MISA Zambia says radio is still a trusted source of information for ordinary people around the country.
Speaking in a statement to mark the 2022 World Radio Day celebrations, MISA Zambia Chairperson Rev. Fr. Dr Barnabas Simatende says radio has continued to play a crucial role in the dissemination of information including on elections.
MISA Zambia joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Radio Day under the theme ‘Radio and Trust’.
Below is a full statement from the Chairperson
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
RADIO STILL A TRUSTED SOURCE OF INFORMATION
LUSAKA, Sunday, February 13, 2022 – As we commemorate World Radio Day today the 13th of February, MISA Zambia is glad to note that Radio is still the most used source of news and information in Zambia.
This year’s theme, ‘Radio and Trust’ is very apt as can be attested by the number of persons in Zambia who listen to radio in their cars, public transport, their offices and farming fields.
It is true that Radio in Zambia has played a crucial role in the dissemination of information including on elections. Considering that Zambia’s elections were characterised by restrictions arising from COVID 19, radio did become one of the key sources of information for citizens.
Furthermore, radio is one of the most listened to media for communication because it can now be accessed on simple and inexpensive devices such as cellular phones, over the internet, and consumes less power compared to Television.
Moreover, radio in Zambia uses local language and is situated in communities where people are found, making it even more relevant to the local context.
Radio signal covers long distances and overcomes geographical barriers to be accessed by citizens who use the information to make informed decisions. Radio allows ordinary people to have a voice that enables them to be heard when action is required from duty bearers.
Despite its evolution over the years, radio still allows citizens in remote parts of countries across the globe to stay up-to-date with government pronouncements and other key policy decisions.
For many, radio has been a key medium to access information about covid-19. Globally, the pandemic has plagued many countries and lifesaving information about the virus has been communicated through radio as a trusted medium of communication.
The advent of the digital age allows information to be shared in real-time. However, this has also led to the spread of unverified information especially on online platforms. The digital age has seen a rise in number of cases of misinformation and disinformation.
This has ultimately affected the levels of trust in the media because citizens constantly have to counter-check and verify information shared with them. However, radio has proved to be one of the trusted mediums of communication because of the constant application of verification methods and majority of its content is guided by journalistic code of ethics.
Therefore, it retains the trust from many which has allowed it to remain relevant through decades to date. MISA Zambia therefore calls on all citizens in the country to support the radio. Its sustenance remains vital to facilitate debate, access to information for all and a platform for minority voices to be heard.
Issued by
Rev. Fr. Dr Barnabas Simatende, OMI, (PhD)
MISA Zambia Chairperson
