JOIN DRIVERN TAXI AS PARTNER DRIVER TODAY!
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services (MIBS) Permanent Secretary (PS) Chanda Kasolo has disclosed that the access to information bill has been submitted to the Attorney General for onward tabling in parliament.
Mr. Kasolo said once the bill is passed into law, it will enable journalists and other members of the public to access timely information on media development in Zambia.
He was speaking in Lusaka February 26, when he opened a one-day consultative stakeholders’ workshop on the draft national information and media policy.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kasolo has petitioned the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) to monitor the media houses that allegedly abrogate their law on broadcasting.
He proposed to the IBA Director General (DG) Josephine Mapoma to introduce toll-free telephone lines through which members of the general public can complaint.
He observed that some media houses, especially the private ones, were in the habit of playing music that is in bad taste and full of insults.
He challenged the IBA not to hesitate revoking licenses of some private radio and television station that were defying the government regulations.
On the draft national information and media policy, the Permanent Secretary hoped that the document will stand the test of time.
Mr. Kasolo urged the workshop participants to deliberate on the draft document with the seriousness it deserves.
And Mr. Kasolo is saddened that the Zambia Media Council (ZAMEC), which was formed to regulate the conduct of journalists, in the country is not functioning.
He said government enjoys cordial relations with the fourth estate but regretted the journalists were not ready to regulate themselves.
On digital migration, the Permanent Secretary disclosed that President Edgar Lungu is next month expected to break the ground in Choma for the construction of provincial television stations in the country.
Mr. Kasolo has meanwhile disclosed that Zambia is ready to meet the June 17, 2015 digital migration deadline.
