Adopt debate formats to curtail liers – Kawana
By Francis Chipalo
Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana has urged the media to adopt a debate format presentation on their various platforms to curtail liers.
Kawana says such an approach would give an opportunity to both parties involved to add their voice on the topic under discussion.
He says the absence of such an approach has contributed to some individuals misinforming the masses.
Kawana made the remarks today during the launch of the State of the Freedom of Expression (FOX) report in Zambia for the period July to December 2023.
The report was conducted in all the 10 provinces of the country targeting journalists, media trainers, bloggers, political parties, human rights defenders as well as Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
It indicated some improvements in the first half of 2023 in the enjoyment of media freedom, freedom of expression and digital rights.
According to the findings in the period under review, about 73% of journalists felt that the media in Zambia operates freely while on the other hand, 26.3% felt the opposite.
However, the general overview is that the environment for journalists in the country is quite healthy.
Launching the report, Kawana stated that citizens were enjoying fundamental freedoms because of President Hakainde Hichilema’s consistent good policies.
Kawana says it is gratifying to note that no media institution has been closed or interfered with as was the case in the previous administration.
