. Matale

By ETAMBUYU SANG’ANDU –
THE Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has prodded police to provide protection to journalists from political violence.
MISA access to information ambassador Susanne Matale said that police should ensure that journalists were protected from political violence during the campaign period and the time of elections.
Reverend Matale said yesterday during a Press briefing that this could be achieved through professionalism by the Police in order to safeguard the fundamental freedoms the country enjoyed.
She said for an election to be deemed free, fair and participatory, there must be freedom of the media and equitable access to media platforms by all political contestants.
MISA has set up an early warning notification system as a systematic way of collecting information in good time to avert the increasing violations against journalists.
The system is aimed at gathering information every time there was a violation or threat against a media house and journalists.
The system would collect specific information such as the reporting entity, details of the person, reporting date, nature of incident and the basic details of the incident.
As part of the system, a whatsapp and e-mail group for all media houses and one dedicated hotline 0979 580451, have been put in place to capture all data sent out on 24-hour basis.
Rev Matale said the system would involve relevant bodies such as the Electoral Commission of Zambia, Police and the Independent Broadcasting Authority for a quick resolution of the incidents.
Media Liaison Committee chairperson Enock Ngoma said the media has not had such a facility in a long time.
Mr Ngoma said the system would help media houses be alert and work as a team.