Zambian journalists opt for non-statutory self-regulation

| Friday April 16, 2010 00:00

Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ronnie Shikapwasha, said the proposed self-regulatory mode proposed by the Zambian media fell short of a genuine regulatory framework and suggested  that the country adopts the Kenyan model.  During a two-day national conference, more than 150 media practitioners resolved that the country should adopt a self-regulation framework at which the journalists will regulate themselves and adhere to an ethical code of conduct. 

Shikapwasha said in a letter to the Media Liaison Committee (MLC) chairperson, Henry Kabwe, in response to a report on media self-regulation dubbed 'The Fringilla Consensus' that was proposed by the media practitioners in February this year was inadequate to meet the public and government needs. 

The conference held from April 12-13 in Lusaka sought to allow practitioners debate and make amendments to the proposed guidelines on the formation of the Zambia Media Council (ZAMEC), its constitution and code of ethics. 

In the letter, Gen Shikapwasha, former commander of the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) says: 'The proposed framework in the Fringilla Consensus falls short of a genuine self-regulatory framework and would not be able to achieve the objective of regulating the media in the country'. 

However, Shikapwasha noted that the proposed framework was not better than the previous Media Council of Zambia which was inadequate and failed to meet the aspirations of other stakeholders. 

To avoid weaknesses that led to the failure of MECOZ, the best option for Zambia is statutory self-regulation. 'Government's position is that the  Kenyan model of media self-regulation would be the best option for Zambia,' he  said.  'The proposed voluntary media self-regulatory mechanism will be a reincarnation of MECOZ and would be toothless and unenforceable,' Shikapwasha said. 

He said the media self-regulation mechanism would lead to exemptions of some members, thereby defeating the essence of developing a credible, professional and ethical media in the country. 

'We note that on one hand, the draft constitution provides for the proposed regulatory body to sue and to be sued while on the other, the Fringilla Consensus document takes away the right of the aggrieved party to take the matter to court. This is contradictory,' Shikapwasha said. 

According to government, any proposed instrument regarding self-regulation should not be deemed to be superior to the laws of the country. 

During the conference, South African Press Ombudsman, Joe Thloloe, warned that the process would not be smooth as it faces many challenges. The challenges in managing various needs of stakeholders including politicians and mere citizens were many. 

Tlholoe said the quality of the works of the media practitioners rested on the code of conduct which must be followed keenly. 

'The press shall be obliged to report news truthfully, accurately and fairly in context and in a balanced manner without any intentional or negligent departure from the facts,' he said. 

According to Tlholoe, the media in South Africa had voluntarily adopted the press code for reference in their day-to-day execution of their duty. Media self-regulation in South Arica started in 1962 during the apartheid regime and developed despite several threats of statutory regulations. 

Kenyan media expert and chief executive officer of the National Media  Group, Linus Gitahi, challenged the Zambian media houses to formulate a self-regulation that will address the inherent weaknesses of voluntary membership in the Zambia Media Council (ZAMEC). 

According to Gitahi, self regulation appeared ideal but lacked mechanisms for sustainable controls in erring journalists and media houses because of the understanding of voluntarism. The fact that membership is voluntary makes it fragile and called for commitment to prove to those that believe otherwise wrong. 

Zambia was now in the spotlight in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and beyond other countries would like to emulate the self-regulatory systems should they work after several years of disagreements with the government, Gitahi added. 

Delegates to the national stakeholders' conference on media self-regulation on April 12 adopted the proposal for non-statutory media self-regulation, a draft constitution and code of ethics.  The media practitioners in Zambia seek to launch the self-regulation mechanism on World Press Freedom Day on May 3 this year. (Sila Press Agency)