THE Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dr. Katema toured various media houses in Lusaka such as the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) and the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA). And MOBI TV executive director Francis Chipota has called on government to formulate deliberate policies that will enable the cheap purchase of better media broadcast equipment to allow for swift digital migration. MOBI TV executive director Francis Chipota has called on government to formulate deliberate policies that will enable the cheap purchase of better media broadcast equipment to allow for swift digital migration.
Mr. Chipota said this when Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dr. Joseph Katema visited the institution.
The Minister toured various media houses in Lusaka such as the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) and the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA).
Mr. Chipota explained that digital migration was inevitable but was however quick to note that the manner in which the tender for digital migration was done by the government was not accommodative of small media institutions.
“I urge government to wave duty on media equipments so that advanced equipments and transmitters can be purchased and also encourage local companies that would want to manufacture media equipment……..” He said
Meanwhile, Dr. Katema urged MOBI TV to continue with same spirit of being self-reliant financially.
He further said government was doing everything possible to support private media institutions noting that media was a vital tool in any country’s public order and development.
And ZANIS director Patrick Lungu revealed that the news bureau was understaffed.
He noted that ZANIS had few reporters, editors and other media personnel hence this affected its production and distribution of news.
In response, Dr. Katema said government would find means of addressing the challenges the institution was facing as soon as possible.
The Information and Broadcasting Minister however challenged ZANIS’ employees to work hard even when the institution was faced with such challenges.
While touring the IBA offices, Dr. Katema said media regulation was essential in any country in order to preserve public order.
The Minister encouraged IBA workers to work without fear and favour.
AND when IBA Director General Josephine Mapoma appealed to government to appoint a fully functioning board, Dr Katema assured her that this would be done in due course.
Information Minister tours media houses, Mobi TV urge government to wave off duty on media equipment
