The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Zambia) is cautioning journalists against being entangled in the on-going differences involving some leaders in the ruling Patriotic Front (PF).
In a press statement on October 17, 2013, MISA Chairman Nalumino Nalumino said Journalists should play their professional role of being neutral and desist from being used as part of political differences.
“MISA Zambia has observed that the current media coverage of wrangles in the PF is extremely worrying as both the public and private media houses seem to have taken preferred sides instead of being neutral,” said Nalumino.
Nalumino said MISA Zambia is advising all those involved in the on-going wrangles not to exert pressure and influence on any media houses over coverage of politics.
“This is the only way journalists can enjoy their profession,” he said.
Nalumino said as a body whose objective is to promote media freedoms in Zambia, MISA Zambia urges all journalists to adhere to their editorial policy guidelines that should act as a measure to push back any political pressures.
He said It is MISA-Zambia’s wish that the squabbles in PF will be resolved now so that more progressive issues could occupy the media landscape.
PF has reneged on promises made: Bloody Liars.
Labour minister Fackson Shamenda yesterday bluntly told the Daily Nation that the ruling Patriotic Front party had changed from the promises it made to the Zambian people as it was now in government.
In a phone interview, Shamenda said the people “should expect” the Patriotic Front (PF) to change as it was now in government and could not be expected to keep to what it promised whilst in opposition.
“Just because we preached against increasing the salary for the president Rupiah does not mean we still have to stick to that position; If you were a defender, your role would be different if you took up the role of a striker. We were in the opposition and our role was different but now we are in government,” Shamenda confessed.
And commenting on the Daily Nation revelations of President Sata’s salary increase, Shamenda said that without the K87 million increase, the President salary would be equal to cleaners.
“Why are you against President Sata’s salary increase? Do you want him to be getting the same salary with cleaners? You are playing politics by having published that story and let me tell you that there is nothing wrong with the President having his salary increased. In fact, would not mind increasing his salary three times in a year.