Metro

Independent media under siege: Challenges persist despite promises of press freedom

Published

3 weeks ago

August 28, 2024

The introduction of multiparty democracy in Zambia in 1991 by the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) also saw the emergence of independent media houses such as Radio Phoenix, Choice FM, and The Post Newspapers.

These outlets have since played a crucial role in the country’s democracy by holding those in power accountable.

Independent media like Radio Phoenix and The Post Newspapers were instrumental in advancing investigative journalism and critical reporting on government actions and policies.

However, their efforts have not been without challenges.

Before and after assuming office, President Hakainde Hichilema and his officials in the Ministry of Information and Media have repeatedly assured the nation of a free media environment, free from harassment and intimidation.

During his inauguration in August 2021, President Hichilema declared that the media would operate independently.

“The fourth estate, as I said, the media will be freed. For you, the media, you will be truly free; you will operate independently without looking over your shoulder, who is teargassing you, who is shutting down your radio station, who is shutting down your television station because you said something that we do not like. It is your role to self-regulate; it is your role to report fairly, responsibly so you can build this society to be at a level never seen before. That is your responsibility.

“Responsibility comes with obligation. Sort out the mess amongst yourselves, but you have to have the freedom to do that,” President Hichilema stated, adding that the media would coordinate with other sectors to actualise his vision for Zambia.

Despite their role in providing diverse perspectives and fostering informed public discourse, independent media houses continue to face significant challenges.

These included government restrictions, censorship, political pressure, limited resources, inadequate funding, concerns over media ownership and control, and online harassment from ruling party members.

A recent incident involved Mpika-based, Catholic-owned Yusuf Radio, which was stormed by suspected cadres on August 25, 2024.

The cadres intended to disrupt a political radio programme scheduled to feature opposition leader Harry Kalaba.

MISA Zambia Chairperson, Lorraine Mwanza-Chisanga, condemned the action, calling it an affront to freedom of expression as provided for in the Zambian Constitution under Article 20, as well as international laws to which Zambia was a signatory.

“Such actions are not only a threat to democracy but also to the role of the media in facilitating democracy. We call on the authorities to bring to book the culprits behind this unruly behavior in order to prevent future occurrences,” Mwanza-Chisanga said.

In another incident in Lusaka, unknown individuals broke into KBN Television and stole studio equipment and laptops worth K260,000, according to police reports.

KBN Television Chief Executive Officer, Kennedy Mambwe, described the theft as an assault on press freedom.

“This is a very sad day for us at KBN TV but also a very sad day for the media in Zambia. It is quite unprecedented that armed robbers could break into a TV station in the dead of night and take sensitive electronic equipment that we use for live transmission,” Mambwe stated.

In 2024, an alleged UPND cadre named Vincent Ngandu threatened to set Diamond TV on fire in a Facebook post, writing, “Diamond TV, you are irritating to say the least. Don’t invite demons upon ourselves. One day you will find that station on petrol fire. Diamond TV Zambia, you are promoting anarchy in the country.”

During an interview on Diamond TV, the station’s Chief Visionary Officer, Costa Mwansa, expressed frustration with Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, for referring to him as “notorious.”

Mwansa was questioning Kawana on why he had threatened to close down certain media houses, despite having been a victim of media suppression under the previous administration.

Defending his remarks, Kawana said media houses should take his words as a “kind reminder to be careful.”

When Mwansa pressed further, Kawana accused him of being notorious for suggesting that he was threatening media houses.

Respected academician, Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa, in 2023, accused State House of threatening privately-owned Hot FM radio for featuring him on their morning show.

According to his tweet, Sishuwa claimed, “State House Communications Expert, Clayson Hamasaka, called the radio station and complained against him.”

Days later, the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) wrote to Hot FM expressing displeasure with one of the anchors on the programme, a complaint that was dismissed by the station’s management.

On November 27, 2023, MISA Zambia reported an attempt to disrupt a live programme on Mazabuka Radio during the “Community Issues” breakfast show.

The programme, dedicated to discussing various community matters in Mazabuka, was allegedly interrupted by UPND cadres.

These incidents are just a few examples of the ongoing threats faced by independent media houses that, on a daily basis, expose corruption, wrongdoing, and hold those in power accountable.

Several stakeholders have called for the strengthening of independent media in Zambia by supporting them through funding and resources, promoting media literacy and critical thinking, and advocating for press freedom and the protection of journalists.

Additionally, they emphasise the need to encourage diverse media ownership and representation and to foster a culture of transparency and accountability.

By supporting independent media, Zambia can foster a more robust democracy, ensuring accountability, transparency, and inclusive public discourse.

This story is sponsored by Project Aliyense.

Related Topics:Democracy Featured Project Aliyense Zambia

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Metro

Combating misinformation, media deception

Published

8 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The proliferation of misinformation, disinformation and fake news has become a pressing global concern and Zambia, like many other African countries, is not immune.

Misinformation refers to the unintentional spread of false information, while disinformation is deliberately fabricated to deceive, according to the Oxford Dictionary.

Fake news often encompassed both, usually with malicious intent.

Elizabeth Riziki, National Director of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)-Tanzania, identified several factors contributing to information disorders globally, including in Zambia.

“These include barriers to accessing information, an information gap between urban and rural communities, government control of the media and youth unemployment,” Riziki said.

The spread of false information has far-reaching consequences, such as eroding trust in institutions, fueling social unrest and undermining democracy.

To mitigate these risks, Zambia needs to take proactive measures to sanitise its media space.

Prisiel Samu, Programmes Coordinator at ZimFact, noted that individuals with internet access are often involved in spreading fake news.

“Governments can play a leading role by regulating social media platforms, which have become breeding grounds for misinformation,” Samu stated.

In Zambia, the rise of social media and online platforms had created an environment conducive to the spread of false information, significantly impacting public discourse, policy-making and national security.

The consequences of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news in Zambia included undermining confidence in institutions, leaders and media outlets.

A study by researcher Gregory Gondwe, titled “Audience Perception of Fake News in Zambia: Examining the Relationship Between Media Literacy and News Believability,” suggested that formal education had a limited impact on detecting fake news.

Instead, the credibility of news sources was found to be an insignificant factor in determining trustworthiness.

Fabricated stories often incited violence, xenophobia, and electoral manipulation, disrupt markets, harm businesses and deter investment.

To combat these issues, Zambia must adopt a multi-faceted approach, including establishing a regulatory body to enforce ethical journalism and online content standards.

The Zambian government has recently announced a crackdown on the misuse of social media under Section 54 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021.

This crackdown extended to administrators of WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms, who are reminded of their legal responsibilities and the potential consequences of allowing harmful content.

“WhatsApp group administrators must curtail postings that are illegal and in bad faith, as they will be held responsible for the publication of such information,” cautioned Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati.

Various stakeholders have proposed several measures to address misinformation, including supporting independent fact-checking initiatives, promoting transparency in media ownership and funding, protecting individuals who expose misinformation and encouraging media outlets to adhere to ethical standards.

Additionally, educating citizens on critical thinking, media literacy, and fact-checking skills was crucial.

By implementing these measures, Zambia aims to foster a media environment that values truth, accuracy, and informed discourse.

This story is sponsored by Project Aliyense.

Metro

Nigerian govt places 11 states on alert as Cameroon set to release water from Lagdo Dam

Published

13 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Nigerian government has placed 11 states on alert following an announcement by neighboring Cameroon of an imminent release of water from the Lagdo Dam.

Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Umar Muhammed, who issued the warning in a statement, said authorities of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon would initiate controlled water releases starting from Tuesday, September 17.

The statement noted that the water discharge is anticipated to progressively escalate to 1000m³/s over the next seven days based on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River.

According to the statement, the states that have been placed on the alert are all states bordering the Benue River system, namely Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers States.

The dam is located in the Northern Province of Cameroon, on the Benue River, in the Niger basin while the lake covers an area of 586.

The release of water from Lagdo Dam has long been a cause for concern for many in Nigeria as it affects many states because it serves as the entry point of River Benue.

The statement reads:

“The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency wishes to notify the general public that the authorities of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon have communicated to the agency that they will initiate controlled water releases at a rate of 100m³/s (8,640,000m³/day) starting today, 17 September 2023.

“The water discharge is anticipated to progressively escalate to 1000m³/s over the next seven days based on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River, which serves as the primary source into the reservoir and a significant tributary to the Benue River.

“Nonetheless, the dam operators have indicated that the planned water discharges will be gradual to avoid surpassing the conveyance capacity of the Benue river system and triggering substantial flooding downstream in Nigeria.

“The overflow from the Lagdo Dam is projected to cease once there is a noticeable reduction in the flow into the Lagdo reservoir.”

It added that though there should be no cause for alarm, the affected states should take measures to prevent flooding.

“The agency unequivocally states that there is no need for alarm as major flooding downstream in Nigeria is not anticipated since the flow levels along the Benue River are still within cautionary limits.

“Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance for all states bordering the Benue River system, namely: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers, along with the government at all levels (federal, state, and LGAs) to heighten their vigilance and implement appropriate preparedness measures to mitigate potential flooding impacts that may arise due to an increase in flow levels of our major rivers during this period.

“The agency will continue to diligently monitor the flow conditions of the transboundary Benue River and the national inland rivers, and consistently provide regular updates on water levels across major rivers to prevent further flood disasters,” it added.

The warning is coming a week after the Alau Dam located in Maiduguri, Borno State in North-West Nigeria collapsed leading to a massive flood with devastating consequences with over 50 killed and an estimated two million others displaced.