Metro

Zambia’s media freedom: Progress amid new threats

Published

1 month ago

August 16, 2024

For democracy to flourish, a robust policy environment is essential to liberate the media from excessive control and manipulation.

Since the return to multiparty democracy and economic liberalism 33 years ago, Zambia has made notable progress in media freedom, despite some lingering challenges.

Media pluralism, driven by critical reforms, has increased access to various media platforms.

However, gaining access to public media remains an uphill battle for those holding views contrary to the ruling class.

The rise of digital and social media platforms has also added a unique and revolutionary impetus to media freedoms, providing a space for diverse voices that traditional media often failed to offer.

The enactment of the Access to Information (ATI) law is a promising development, ensuring media freedoms through unhindered access to critical public information.

According to MISA Zambia, the ATI law marks “a historic milestone for media freedom and transparency in Zambia after two decades of relentless advocacy and discussion.

“MISA Zambia commended this significant achievement, noting that it reflects “a positive step towards fostering an open and informed society and a transparent government.”

However, concerns are emerging with the introduction of laws such as the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2021 and the proposed amendments to the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Act, which includes fees for online broadcasting.

These developments cast a dark cloud over the progress made in creating space for media freedom in the country.

President Hakainde Hichilema recently announced that his Cabinet has proposed amending laws to stiffen punishment for those promoting hate speech in the country.

The proposed amendments will be taken to parliament, and the President urged lawmakers “to do the right thing to deter people from promoting discrimination against any grouping.”

Stakeholders, however, feel that hate speech laws are mainly used to clamp down on dissent, making them an affront to media freedom and freedom of expression.

On the other hand, the cybercrime law provides rules of conduct and standards for the use of the Internet, computers, and related digital technologies by the public, government, and private organizations.

It also covers rules of evidence, criminal procedure, and other criminal justice matters in cyberspace.

Critics argue that the law is used by the ruling class to suppress critical voices in the online space.

The Zambian government’s recent announcement that it will require licensing of online media has raised concerns among rights activists, who see it as an infringement on freedom of expression and speech.

Recently, the government revealed plans to revise the IBA Act to regulate online broadcasting and podcasts.

Although the government insists that licensing online media is only meant to protect citizens and victims of cybercrimes, activists warn that such a move would infringe on the right to freedom of expression.

Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, stated that the proposed law would “help fight cybercrime, coordinate cybersecurity matters, develop relevant skills and help promote the responsible use of social media platforms.”

He added that: “The government does not intend to introduce any legislation intended to stifle citizens’ enjoyment of their freedoms of expression and speech on social media.”

However, Richard Mulonga, Chief Executive Officer of Bloggers of Zambia, argued that regulating online media “should be avoided in all cases as it does not align with democratic values.”

He emphasized that: “In as much as we recognise the need for enhanced internet legislation to make the online spaces safe and secure for all, there’s a need for these laws and policies to be democratic.

They must be specific, and they must enhance online rights and freedoms rather than silence citizens’ activities on the internet.”

Molina also noted that the term “abuse of social media” has been weaponized to justify the creation of new “laws that can be used to target citizens on the internet.”

DW TV quoted Modern Muyembe, Media Development Director at the Ministry of Information and Media, as saying that the amended law would require online broadcasting companies to acquire an operating license costing more than US$1,000 annually to operate online.

This, will undoubtedly affect media freedom, as few will afford this amount.

In summary, Zambia’s media freedom is a “mixed bag” where there is room for improvement, but also a risk of regressing if restrictive laws, such as the proposed IBA Act, are enacted.

This story is sponsored content from Zambia Monitor’s Project Aliyense.

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Metro

How media training can build a resilient culture of free speech in Zambia

Published

2 hours ago

September 16, 2024

Isaac Dachen

In a democratic country like Zambia, a free and independent media is essential for holding those in power accountable, promoting transparency, good governance and facilitating public discourse.

The media shapes public opinion and fosters a culture of independence and free speech.

However, achieving a strong and independent media landscape in Zambia has been fraught with challenges, including intimidation, censorship and limited access to information, despite the enactment of the Access to Information law.

Addressing these challenges requires professional media training.

Such training equips journalists with the skills, knowledge, and resilience needed to report critically and independently, thereby strengthening democratic institutions and fostering a more engaged, diverse, vibrant and informed citizenry.

Media training supports free speech by preparing journalists to effectively communicate and report on a broad range of issues, including politics, governance, and socio-economic development.

This training encompasses traditional reporting as well as digital media practices.

As digital platforms grow in importance, training in these areas ensures journalists can engage effectively with audiences and combat misinformation.

Furthermore, media training helps journalists build resilience and manage stress, enabling them to withstand intimidation and maintain their mental and physical well-being.

Informed publics are crucial for thriving democracies.

Beyond benefiting journalists, media training has a ripple effect on the community. Training programs often include outreach initiatives that educate the public about the role of the media and the importance of free speech.

These initiatives foster a better understanding of media practices and the value of independent journalism, encouraging public support for a free and vibrant press.

Gracious Kutemwa, a radio and TV presenter at ZNBC, noted that media training promotes diverse voices and helps marginalized groups articulate and share their stories.

“This contributes to a more inclusive media landscape, which is vital for a healthy democratic society,” she said. She added that media training also encourages open dialogue between different segments of society, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

“This dialogue is crucial for addressing social issues and promoting peaceful coexistence,” Kutemwa stated.

She emphasized that media training contributes to the overall health of democracy and governance in the country.

Meanwhile, Kamo Banda, a media and journalism student, highlighted that free speech is a cornerstone of democracy, allowing for the exchange of ideas and public discourse.

“Media training in Zambia can enhance free speech by providing journalists with the skills to express themselves effectively and responsibly,” she said.

Banda also noted that effective media training extends beyond the newsroom.

“By engaging with local communities, training programs can help raise awareness about the role of the media in democracy and the importance of free speech,” she stated.

In conclusion, media training is crucial for building a vibrant and diverse media landscape that reflects the needs of Zambian society.

It empowers voices, enhances democracy, and promotes a culture of free speech and independence in Zambia.

This story is sponsored by Project Aliyense.

Metro

‘Expect more protests, I am not afraid of Tinubu’, Nigerian activist blows hot after airport arrest

Published

10 hours ago

September 16, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, Omoyele Sowore, has vowed that despite his arrest by operatives of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on arrival from the United States at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on Sunday, the President Bola Tinubu-led government should expect more protests.

Sowore, the convener of #RevolutionNow, who was reportedly arrested and detained on Sunday morning at the airport by the NIS which also seized his passport and other travelling documents, said he was not afraid of Tinubu and would go ahead with planned protests.

Sowore, who is also a journalist and publisher of online news platform, Sahara Reporters, had on Sunday announced his arrest on X.com.

“I had just arrived in Nigeria from the USA at MMIA in Lagos; upon reaching Nigerian Immigration, my passport was seized, and they told me they had orders to detain me.

“This is not unexpected because I have always known that it is part of the broader clampdown by the fascist @officialAbat regime on dissent and their fear of the upcoming #FearlessINOctober revolt.”

Though he was later released after undergoing interrogation, Sowore was still upbeat about going ahead with planned protests against the government as he is not afraid of President Tinubu.

Sowore who later appeared in an interview programme on a popular TV station on Sunday night by, insisted that a planned “FearlessInOctober” protest scheduled to commence on October 1, will still go on as well as other such demonstrations.

He said the protest was part of a series of protests organised by Nigerians against what he called the oppressive government of Tinubu.

“We started on August 1, which was part of the ‘End Bad Governance’ protest. It was supposed to be a continuation,” he said.

“There were 15 demands that the government did not even attend to. Instead of that, the Federal Government arrested and detained a lot of people. They tied them with bogus offences, very outrageous offences of treason – for carrying placards.

“So, this is going to be a continuation of that.

“Everybody is aware, the government is aware of this. Everybody is looking forward to it because it’s a matter of right that Nigerians have to not allow this government to obliterate them with hunger, starvation, and incompetence

“It is treason to arrest, detain, and forcibly charge citizens with crimes that the government committed. And it’s not the first time I was accused of treason. In fact, I heard about the offence of treason in 1992 at the University of Lagos when we went and did Babangida Must Go.

“And the police arrested us at Western Avenue Police Station, asked us to start writing statements under duress, and said that we wanted to overthrow the government. That was the period that Olusegun Mayegun was President of NANS.

“I was charged with treason in 2019 by Buhari, so I’m not new to these bogus offences of treason. But that is not our focus. Our focus is that we have a country to liberate and a people to save. So whatever offences are thrown our way, we should not be discouraged.

“It’s up to the people to determine what constitutes the offence of treason. And I must say to you also that in 1994, Tinubu was accused of treason. If you remember when he was accused of bombing the Ejigbo depot by Abacha. So that was why he left Nigeria on exile. But in our case, we are not going to go on exile simply because the government is afraid of our package,” Sowore added.