Lusaka Press Club Media Breakfast Highlights Media Challenges and Calls for Unity in Advancing Press Freedom and Professionalism
The Lusaka Press Club hosted a Media Engagement Breakfast at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, bringing together journalists, policy-makers, and civil society stakeholders to examine the state of journalism in Zambia particularly the challenges affecting media freedom, professionalism, and governance under the theme “Harnessing Media for Good Governance.”
Speaking at the event, Lusaka Press Club President Edward Makayi said there is need to confront long-standing issues affecting journalists’ welfare and professionalism, including underpayment, casualisation, and internal divisions within the media fraternity.
Mr Makayi also raises concern over the blurred lines between journalism and political affiliation, noting that such dynamics continue to undermine public trust and objectivity.
Mr Makayi acknowledges the challenges and commends the government for fostering an environment in which the media can operate freely, pointing to its restraint even in the face of provocation from some outlets.
He further calls on the administration to maintain regular engagement with journalists, including through continued interactive platforms at State House.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana acknowledged journalist’s concerns, especially regarding access and the recognition of freelancers, while emphasizing that all media professionals must consistently demonstrate their value through quality content production.
Mr. Kawana reiterates the call for media stakeholders to submit proposals to the Ministry of Labour to help establish a minimum wage for journalists, noting that previous invitations had been largely ignored.
He also urged journalists to confront internal divisions within the profession, which he described as a major obstacle to unity and progress in the media industry.
Mr Kawana says the ministry stands by its existing procedures but remains open to ongoing engagement with stakeholders to promote professionalism within the sector, and reaffirms the government’s commitment to protecting press freedom, recognizing the media’s crucial role in fostering democracy and holding leaders accountable.
Mr. Kawana commends the Lusaka Press Club for its revival and its contribution to creating a platform for meaningful dialogue among journalists.
As Zambia approaches next year’s general elections, Mr Kawana urges the media to maintain transparency and accuracy and called on the Lusaka Press Club to lead by example, inspiring other press associations across the country.
And Lusaka Press Club Vice President, Oliver Chisenga calls for a national media indaba to address structural challenges such as poor remuneration and job security issues that many speakers agreed go beyond the minimum wage.
And MISA Zambia’s Chairperson, Ms. Lorain Chisanga, highlighted several structural and legal challenges impacting the work of journalists.
She cited self-censorship, limited access to public information and the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act as significant barriers, noting that while the cyber laws aim to protect online spaces, they have been criticized for enabling excessive government control and potentially suppressing dissent.
Mrs. Chisanga says despite these challenges, she encourages journalists to embrace opportunities for growth through mentorship, online training and digital literacy.
Representing the Free Press Initiative, Ms. Nyambe Jere, addressed the complex relationship between media freedom and existing laws.
She stresses the importance of journalists being familiar with the legal frameworks governing their work and calls for increased dialogue and advocacyto ensure that Zambia’s legal environment supports not stifles freedom of expression.
Meanwhile, Women in News, Representative Monica Yuni Kayombo, highlighted the underrepresentation of women in media leadership roles in Zambia, emphasizing the importance of capacity building mentorship and networking to empower female journalists.
Ms. Kayombo also encourages journalists to take initiative in their careers by seeking opportunities, applying for press credentials, and building strong professional networks.
The Media Engagement Breakfast underscores the importance of a collaborative relationship between the media, government, and civil society in advancing good governance.