Mweetwa backs media self-regulation as pillar of democracy, accountability

Information and Media Minister, Cornelius Mweetwa, says an empowered and self regulating media sector is essential to the health of democracy, governance systems and the national development agenda.

Mweetwa who is also Chief Government Spokesperson, said the government had always believed in the power of the media, not as an enemy or adversary, but as a critical partner in advancing national development, promoting accountability, and safeguarding citizens’ rights to information and free expression.

Thursday’s Times of Zambia Newspaper reports that Mweetwa was speaking during the launch of the Media Self Regulation Council of Zambia (MSCZ) secretariat in Lusaka on Wednesday.

“We have listened to the voices calling for media freedom with responsibility and we have responded by creating space for dialogue, reform and growth,” Mweetwa said.

He said the secretariat’s launch demonstrated that the media sector was rising to the challenge by organizing, innovating and upholding itself to higher standards.

“The presence of the office of the Ombudsman and a dedicated team within the Secretariat is a clear sign that the MSCZ is ready to operationalise it’s mandate to receive, investigate and resolve any media complaints and to engage meaningfully with media practitioners and the general public,” Mweetwa said.

He urged Journalists to use the Secretariat as an avenue to nurture professional growth and strengthen accountability to the public.

“As media practitioners you are the custodians of truth. You have the power to shape narratives, to challenge injustice and to educate the nation. I urge you to use this power wisely. Media must learn to be accountable and the mechanism we are launching today will facilitate this aspect,” Mweetwa stated.

He reiterated that President Hakainde Hichilema was a friend of the media and wanted to see the industry thrive.

At the same occasion, MSCZ Board Chairperson, Kennedy Mambwe, commended the government for promoting press freedom as was envisioned during the Council’s registration.

Mambwe assured Mweetwa that the Secretariat would be utilised as a hub for promoting professional media conduct, for the sector to effectively contribute to the country’s development.

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