ONE of the radio presenters who keenly follows this column wrote; “Dear Jack, I am one of the readers of this column, especially that I am an up-coming broadcaster.
I appreciate the way you notice some of the mistakes we make while on air, some of us get inspired and learn a lot.
Much as we appreciate your work, I would, however, like to bring to your attention some mistakes that appear in the Times of Zambia and yet, no one talks about them.
Will I be wrong to quote a Bible text which says that one should handle his or her mistakes before you can talk about your friend’s?
Matthew 7:3-5 New International Version 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Can we also apply the other saying that; “People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.”
The raised concern is welcome since it is an indication that people do not only read this column but also find time to read the whole Times of Zambia.
Firstly, we wish to define the purpose of this column, which is
CRITIQUE. By its dictionary definition, Critique is a method of disciplined, systematic analysis of a written or oral discourse.
Although critique is commonly misunderstood as fault-finding and negative judgment, it also involves merit recognition, and in the philosophical tradition, it also means a methodical practice of doubt.
In understanding the above statement, you will realise that this column, acknowledges that to err is human and no one is perfect, therefore, we are all prone to mistakes.
By the definition, critique in this column is aimed at offering checks and reminding each other of some lapses in our course of duty, and NOT aimed at EMBARRASSING each other.
This column has on several occassions received acknowledgement and also critique where possible, from distinguished readers like Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Corporate Affairs manager Masuzyo Ndhlovu, Ndola’s Sun FM executive president Davis Kabuswe, Matamio Siame from Radio Chimwemwe, managements from Radio Christian Voice and Radio Icengelo among others.
HOT FM 97.3
Hot FM Radio has hit the entire Copperbelt with a storm, though the signal may not be that clear, at least the station is heard among most listeners on the Copperbelt who previously never used to access it.
SUN FM
Sun FM has continued to grow broadcasting from Ndola to as far as Mumbwa and the surrounding areas of Central Province.
Not only has the radio station grown big, but also enhanced its appearance in advertising and true to its slogan, ‘Every one listens to Sun FM.’
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Zachaus Kasalu who is also known as Rowliv on Sun FM last Thursday dropped local songs from the old school. The songs where later analysed by Mr Chipuma.
Among the many songs Rowliv played was Masasu Band’s ‘Julia’ whose lyrics may be deemed overtaken by new developments.
In that song, Masasu Band sang about Julia, a promiscuous woman dying from HIV and AIDS.
Though there is nothing wrong with the counsel in that song, depicting people living with HIV/AIDS as hopeless victims destined to hell is morally wrong.
PHOENIX
One of the best female newscasters on Zambian radio is Lusubilo Gondwe. She however, got misdirected by her news writer when she read that Emmanuel Mwamba was South African High Commissioner DESIGNATE.
Designate when used as a suffix implies to an appointed officer to an office or post but not yet installed. Since Mr Mwamba has already taken up his office in Pretoria, the appointment he even announced of his facebook months ago, he cannot be referred to as DESIGNATE. One may argue that if Mr Mwamba is yet to present his credentials, he, therefore, is designate.
This reminds us of a time President Edgar Lungu won the last presidential elections and most newscasters kept referring to him as President-Elect.
Unlike in other countries like America where an elected president would take office after months, Zambian elected presidents take office immediately after being declared winner and cannot be referred to as Elect.
ICENGELO
Listeners, especially those on the Copperbelt will be grateful to Radio Icengelo for according them an opportunity to follow the match between Zambia and Kenya from that country.
Amos Lombe broadcast live from Nairobi, Kenya’s Nyayo stadium and later found time to interview Zambia’s High Commissioner to that country Brenda Muntemba at half time.
RCV
Dario Ulendo Chongolo was up to the task last week when he handled the morning show alone and at one point went ahead to fill up on the morning devotion prayer in the absence of our morning prayer partner Zondi Mwale and Choolwe Mweemba respectively. Stay tuned, don’t touch that dial! – jackmwewa@gmail.com   0955115777