TIZ counsels Zambian media

THE media should be proactive and play a critical role in offering checks and balances in good governance, Transparency International Zambia ( TIZ) has advised.

TIZ Head of Democracy and Governance, Gilbert Mwanza, said the media was not operating to expectations

Mr Mwanza said media was divided the and as such, it was easy for any organisation to look down upon the media.

“When you are divided you can easily be trampled upon, it is for this reason that journalists must know their role in governance and in the promotion of democracy,” he said.

Mr Mwanza said because of the way journalists had watered down their power in governance, they had become vulnerable to bribery.

He said bribery could easily erode professionalism.

“If you cannot define yourself, someone will define you. The media must remember that they are the fourth estate in the governance of the country and their role is critical,” Mr Mwanza said.

He said that the media should ensure that the players of the country's governance were held accountable.

Mr Mwanza said the media must always ensure that the right information was availed to the citizens across the country and beyond

He said the public expected the media to always give them Formatted: balanced and accurate information, which was not the case at the moment.

Mr Mwanza said the media must always strive to be truthful whenever they report their news because Zambians wanted an organised and united profession.