PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
LUSAKA – MISA Zambia today joins the rest of the world for the annual commemoration of World Radio Day which falls on 13th February. This year, the theme is “Radio: A Century of Informing, Entertaining and Educating”.
The radio sector in Zambia has overcome massive technological shifts to maintain its dominance as a communication medium of choice for citizens. Globally, from the 1800s to the 21st Century, its unique adaptive feature to blend and work with existing technology has ensured that it remains relevant to this day. We applaud radio’s resilience and ability to use today’s social media and other digital platforms to remain accessible to offer citizens alternatives to access information.
The ease of accessibility of radio has also made it a communication medium of choice for its listeners despite geographical barriers. Radio remains a cheap medium for accessing information and connects citizens through their participation in radio programmes with friends and family as well as used as a platform to hold leaders accountable.
As we commemorate this year’s World Radio Day, we call upon the government to support the radio industry by enforcing punitive action for individuals found guilty of interfering with radio programming, especially political party affiliates. The radio sector must be left to also carry out its role of Informing, Entertaining and educating citizens without hindrance.
MISA Zambia also wishes to note the three-year tax waiver on Broadcasting equipment by the Government stated in the Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 67 of 2023. We are confident that radio stations will take advantage of this development to upgrade their equipment in the quest to maintain a higher standard of quality programming.
Further, the broadcasters from Radio Stations are encouraged to carry the mantle of using radio to Inform, Entertain and Educate the masses and uphold radio’s status as a credible and trusted source of communication for citizens to make informed decisions.
Issued by
MISA Zambia
Lorraine Mwanza Chisanga
Chairperson
