By Bennie Mundando
THE Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Zambia) has appealed to the Zambia police to protect journalists in the line of duty especially as the country heads towards elections.
And the media body has reminded political parties that it is not the duty of media houses to campaign for them but to provide a platform to communicate policies and manifestos.
Speaking during the launch of the first and second state of the media report in Lusaka today, MISA-Zambia board member Martin Akende says despite media recording growth in the recent years, journalists have continued to suffer harassment at the hands of political cadres.
“It is unfortunate that media personnel still suffer harassment, violence, intimidation from both political players, and members of the public,” Mr. Akende said.
Meanwhile, a review of the first and second quarters has shown that the media was generally unstable despite certain gains.
The report has also revealed that there is need for professionalism and adherence to media ethics for both private and public media.
The report has further recommended for the enhancement of the autonomy and independence of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) for it to professionally handle media-related matters.
