Metro

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

Published

3 months ago

September 16, 2024

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.

Related Topics:Featured Media Project Aliyense Zambia

Click to comment

Metro

Nigeria: 614,937 killed, 2.2m abducted in 1 year— Report

Published

7 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A new report released on Tuesday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that over 614,937 Nigerians were killed and 2,235,954 others kidnapped across the country in one year between May 2023 and April 2024.

The NBS report, titled, “The Crime Experienced and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024”, says based on the surveys conducted between May 2023 and April 2024, the 2.2 million Nigerians who were kidnapped across the country paid a whopping N2.2 trillion as ransom, with an average amount of N2.7 million per incident.

The report also disclosed that murder rate was highest in rural areas with 335,827 incidents and 279,110 in urban areas.

A zone-by-zone analysis of the report showed that the North-West had the highest murder cases of 206,030, followed by the North-East which stood at 188,992, while the least was recorded in the South-West at 15,693.

The report also revealed about seven in 10 households reported murder cases to the police nationwide with 33 per cent of households responding that the killer was an unknown person, and 23.4 per cent confirmed that the murderer was a member of the household; while 1.0 per cent reported that the murderer was either a spouse or a lover.

The report said 1,668,104 persons were kidnapped in rural areas and 567,850 in urban areas with the North-West having the highest cases of kidnapping with 1,420,307 abducted, followed by the North-Central with 317,837 and the South-East at 110,432.

“Of the estimated amount of N2.2 trillion payments to free victims, the North-West reported the highest ransom paid with N1.2 trillion; while the South-East was the least with N85.4 billion.

“Disaggregated by zones, the North-Central reported the highest proportion of payment of ransom at 83.4 per cent, followed by North-East at 78.6 per cent.

“Households in urban areas paid an average of N3.7 million compared to N2.3 million in rural areas,” the report stated.

It added that about 91 per cent of kidnapping incidents were done for ransom in the form of money, goods or other benefits.

“While 2.4 per cent of cases were attributed to political, criminal, or terrorist objectives; 2.1 per cent were linked to personal or family disputes. Custody disputes accounted for 0.5 per cent of cases,” the report said.

Metro

Nigeria: Army denies reports of plans to establish French military base in the country

Published

2 days ago

December 16, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Nigerian Army has debunked reports claiming that the French military was planning to establish a base in Nigeria.

The rumours gained momentum on social media and some traditional media platforms following President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to France where he met with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.

But a statement on Monday by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said the clarification was necessitated by reports doing the rounds that French soldiers had arrived in the country in preparation to set up a base in Maiduguri, Borno State.

“The attention of Defence Headquarters has been drawn to online reports alleging the arrival of the first contingent of French soldiers in Maiduguri towards establishing a French Military base in North East Nigeria,” Buba said.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby state unequivocally that this information is fake, totally false and mischievous.

“It would be recalled that Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa CFR, recently addressed this matter in different media forums. In which he debunked the news and such speculations.

“It is clear that these are the antics of mischief makers,” the defence spokesman saif.

Buba also urged the general public to disregard the news and speculations still making rounds in some quarters, adding that the military will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities, most professionally and ensure the territorial integrity of Nigeria.