Tackle fake news, Lungu tells Chipampe
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has urged his newly appointed special assistant for press and public relations Isaac Chipampe to use his vast experience in the media industry to help end the habit by some journalists of publishing fake news. And President Lungu has advised Mr Chipampe to always put o cial information in the public domain timely to stop media houses that are thriving in the industry by feeding the people with falsehoods. Mr Lungu said this yesterday when he swore in Mr Chipampe as his new special assistant for press and public relations, replacing Amos Chanda who resigned from the position last week. Before his appointment, Mr Chipampe served as director for press and media development at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services. He also served as Managing Director of the Zambia Daily Mail before moving to the ministry. President Lungu said he was not happy with some journalists who were thriving on publishing fake news on social media. “I am also con dent that with your vast skills in media management, you will contribute to bring sanity in the media fraternity by nding solutions to end the unbecoming trend of journalists thriving on publishing fake news in the wake of social media. “ is type of journalism which is based on fake news is retrogressive and a danger to our country,” President Lungu said. He said there was need for the new presidential spokesperson to always release o cial information to the public timely to prevent the spread of fake news and mushrooming of sensational journalism. “So, I can only urge you to do the best by putting information in the public domain timeously so that people get to know the truth so that that we put an end to those who are thriving in the industry of peddling falsehoods,” he said. President Lungu urged Mr Chipampe not only to be strong but to continue exhibiting professionalism, loyalty, trust and commitment to duty. “ is o ce is a senior one and comes with immense responsibility. Your new o ce is very demanding, often requiring that you go an extra mile if not all the times, including sacri cing your private and family time. “You will soon have bigger family or friends and at the same time a lot of destractors. Correspondingly, as your number of friends increase, the number of your enemies will also increase, but I have no doubt that with 24 years of your professional service in the media, you are equal to the task ahead of you,” the President said. And speaking to journalist after being sworn in, Mr Chipampe thanked President Lungu and his Cabinet for the appointment. He said he would serve with honour and dignity. Mr Chipampe, who also thanked his predecessor, Mr Chanda, for the good service he had rendered during his tenure, pledged loyalty to the appointing authority. Mr Chipampe said adopting a media statutory self-regulatory framework was key to getting rid of fake and sensational journalism. He said he would also work in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services to ensure the correct information was reaching the people on time. Meanwhile, MMD youth Prince Ndoyi has described Mr Chipampe as a worthy replacement for Mr Chanda. Mr Ndoyi said the appointment had come as a surprise to many and that it was surprisingly devoid of political af liation but based on the professional background of Mr Chipampe. e Zambia Institute for Independent Media Alliance has also welcomed Mr Chipampe’s appointment but urged him to give sound advice on media matters to the President as his job was not only being spokesperson but also involved giving advice on press issues. PF media director Sunday Chanda said Mr Chipampe came with a wealth of knowledge and experience and commended President Lungu for his wisdom in appointing him.