World Press Freedom Day: Time for introspection
Published On April 30, 2016 » 2536 Views» By Administrator Times » Features
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Beyond the news - KundaON May 3 annually, journalists world over commemorate World Press Freedom Day.
It is a time when journalists to reflect on successes, failures or challenges encountered during the course of duty.
The theme for this year’s World Press Freedom day is ‘Access to information and fundamental freedoms: This is your right’.
The theme could not have come at a more opportune time for Zambian  journalists than now when the country is preparing for a general election to be held simultaneously with a constitutional referendum on August, 11.
Media activity in the run up to August, 11 and beyond will be critical to the status of Zambia’s democracy; hence the trumpet calling for media freedom should be blown louder.
Incidences of journalists being threatened or beaten by political party cadres or any other individual or organisation while covering rallies or any other event, should be a thing of the past.
Peace is a hallmark of civilisation and Zambia is a renowned oasis of harmony.
Just like the executive, legislature and judiciary, the media has the right to be respected and allowed to operate freely.
Journalists should be allowed to work without interference from anyone outside the journalism profession and the existing legislation in this regard; only requires implementation.
Institutions such as the Press Association of Zambia (PAZA), Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia Chapter and Zambia Union of Journalists (ZUJ) should be firm on this aspect.
I will not dwell much on the issue of media freedom because the topic has already been covered on this platform.
Today, media development is the subject. What is the probable way forward for the country’s media industry beyond independence?
It begins from tertiary education to actual practice in the newsroom and beyond.
Beyond the news recently talked to media trainer and advocate Daniel Sikazwe who brought out three of his suggestions on the way forward for the media.
Beyond the news: as Zambian journalists join their compatriots in commemorating World Press Freedom day, what is your perspective on interventions to further enhance the output of the local media industry?
Mr Sikazwe: Well; I think there are three important things which need to be considered. The first is an improvement in media training at tertiary level. Time has come for colleges and universities to move away from the traditional way of training journalists.
Key in this day and age is entrepreneurship. The journalism syllabus must include entrepreneurship so that journalists obtain multiple skills other than conventional news writing.
An example is someone like Richard Quest of CNN (Cable News Network) who is respected as a professional because he possesses other skills away from his reporting of business news.
I know that ZAMCOM (Zambia Institute of Mass Communication) has entered into an agreement with TEVETA (Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority) to include entrepreneurship in the curriculum offered at the training institution.
Secondly, I think it is time that a trade union looking at the welfare of journalists is formed. How do journalists take care of themselves or invest their earnings and so on. Local footballers have formed a union.
Journalists should also consider forming cooperatives to enable them generate funds outside employment.
Forming a personal media firm may not be the best idea because sustainability is not guaranteed; the business might collapse at any time.
Thirdly, journalists should consider studying in other areas of human development to consolidate their welfare. I know of some journalists who have delved into law after a first degree in mass communication.
Investing in other fields of specialisation helps one consolidate their stance as a professional.
Beyond the News: What is your appeal to PAZA, MISA and ZUJ and other such institutions as they execute their mandate in contributing to local media development?
Mr Sikazwe: MISA, ZUJ, PAZA, BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) media action and others should redefine their roles to suit the current landscape.
They (media bodies) should also pursue synergies and cooperate for the good of the industry.
It is said that the best form of competition is cooperation.
Beyond the news: Thank you for your time.
Mr Sikazwe: Thank you very much.
That’s it for this week dear readers and a happy World Press Freedom day to each and every journalist; local and abroad.
Comments and contributions; jameskunda91@gmail.com or 0973182006

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