Uphold professional standards, Media told
ZANIS —– Government has advised the media fraternity to aspire for the highest level of ethical nd professional standards.
Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Kennedy Kalunga says this is because public or independent media practitioners are the lifeline of the country.
Mr Kalunga says media practitioners are among the few professionals considered as essential because of the critical role that information plays.
Speaking in Kabwe when he featured on Power FM Radio station, the permanent secretary said the basic norms of ethical journalistic practice in Zambia, like everywhere else, call for journalists to be truthful and accurate.
He said getting the facts right is the cardinal principle of journalism while fairness and impartiality are critical to every journalist.
Mr. Kalunga advised the media to avoid at all costs hate speech and material which can incite violence against and the stigmatization of people.
He said as providers of a basic good, journalists should hold themselves accountable to their audiences.
The permanent secretary has also directed all media houses in the country to disseminate accurate and verified information on COVID-19.
He said people should be told that COVID-19 is real and that they should adhere to the five golden rules for a healthy Zambia.
Meanwhile, Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe has welcomed the move taken by the Ministry of Information and Media to direct all media houses to sensitize communities on the dangers of COVID-19.
Mr. Mwanakampwe said the positivity rate on COVID — 19 in central province was now at 23 percent, a situation which he said was very bad.