Promote peace, Information PS urges Chongwe Radio Station

MINISTRY of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Kennedy Kalunga has cautioned Chongwe Community Radio station to avoid airing content that has the potential to cause unrest in the area.

Mr. Kalunga says the Radio Station should not give airplay to programmes that contain topics that may not sit well with the community they serve as this may lead to misunderstandings between the Radio station and residents in the area.

He said it is the responsibility of management at the station to select the right content for the communities within their reach before it is aired out.

ZANIS reports that Mr. Kalunga was speaking yesterday when he addressed management at Chongwe Community Radio station following a protest by members of the Busoli Royal Establishment who stormed the station yesterday to complain about a statement issued by Chief Bundabunda over the Busoli Chieftainship in a pre-recorded radio programme. He added that government wants the media to operate freely which is why it has not intervened in any of the station’s editorial policies.

“Government wants the media to operate freely and that’s why we have not dictated anything as regards to your editorial policies and we will continue supporting you as a radio station but be mindful of what you air to avoid denting the image of government and creating misunderstandings in the communities around you,” Mr. Kalunga said.

Mr. Kalunga said that the government remains committed to ensuring that journalists are protected from violence and any form of harassment.

He further stated that he is pleased that nothing at the Radio station was damaged during the protest and no staff was harmed in any way.

Meanwhile, Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Director of Finance Peter Lesa said the authority in line with its mandate will always caution any Radio station that airs any content that is injurious to the community it serves.

Mr. Lesa stated that the continued transmission of content by Chongwe Community Radio station that has the potential to cause misunderstandings among members of the community, may affect the renewal of the its licence by the authority.

And Criminal Investigations Officer, Mwila Mbaita assured Mr. Kalunga that the Station will be safeguarded and no staff will be harmed.

Mr. Mbaita said traditional leadership has since been engaged over the matter however, called for more sensitisation of the public on how best such issues can be handled.