Promise of a new dawn for press freedom here to stay – HH
By Joy Nyambe
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says his promise of a new dawn for press freedom in Zambia is here to stay under his administration.
President HICHILEMA says the media is now enjoying freedom without fear of intimidation from anybody, especially politicians.
He has also disclosed that Cabinet has approved the repeal and replacement of the ZNBC and IBA Acts.
This was in a speech read on his behalf by Information and Media Minister CORNELIUS MWEETWA during the launch of ZANIS TV channel in Lusaka today.
The President said the launch of ZANIS TV is a gift to the people of Zambia to have access to government information and activities.
President HICHILEMA challenged the media to use the channel to explain various government intervention programmes.
And speaking in his capacity as Information and Media Minister, Mr. MWEETWA urged ZANIS and ZNBC to take advantage of the friendly atmosphere that government has created to enhance their commercial viability.
He said the two institutions should strive to generate their own funding for operations as support from government grants is not enough because of the limited resource envelope.
Meanwhile, Information and Media Permanent Secretary THABO KAWANA said the launch of ZANIS TV is a huge moment in Zambia’s history, signifying the country’s visionary leadership.
Mr. KAWANA said the launch has ushered in a new era of transparency, communication and public engagement.