Kapeya launches vernacular papers

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New Media, Old Media
INFORMATION and Broadcasting Services Minister Mwansa Kapeya yesterday launched local language newspapers with 36,000 copies to be distributed to members of the public free of charge.

Speaking at the launch of the newspapers in Choma, Mr Kapeya said over the years, media access and operations were concentrated along the line of rail, but that Government was determined to reverse the trend.
The 36,000 copies of local language newspapers are Ntanda (in Tonga), Ngoma (in Lunda, Luvale and Kaonde), Tsopano (in Nyanga), Lukanga (in Lenje) while in Lozi it is known as Liseli. The Chibemba version is Imbila.
The minister said the first phase of distribution was a representation of 6,000 per newspaper local language and that production of the second edition was already in progress.
He said the Government decided that the first and second editions of the newspapers be distributed free of charge while later editions be sold at a minimal cost to sustain production and distribution.
To ensure smooth and sustainable production of the local language newspapers, Mr Kapeya said the Government would employ translators and other relevant staff on permanent basis.
Meanwhile, the minister said Government has allocated K22 million for establishment of provincial television (TV) studios.
Under phase one of the project, Choma and Solwezi will be the first ones to benefit.
Mr Kapeya said the Government was on course to establish TV studios in each of the 10 provinces.
“The beauty about these provincial TV studios is that they will be broadcasting 24 hours service compared to ZNBC where local language programmes are only given about two hours,” he said.
Mr Kapeya said the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), a statutory body set by an Act of Parliament, would oversee and regulate the broadcasting industry and foster growth of the electronic media.

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