MISA Zambia Condemns Attempts to Gag the Media Through Statutory Regulation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3rd MARCH, 2025
LUSAKA – The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia wishes to express its strong disapproval of the recent statements made by the Chief Government Spokesperson and Minister of Information, Mr. Cornelius Mweetwa, regarding the potential introduction of statutory media regulation.
According to a report observed in The Mast Newspaper, dated 28 February 2025, with a headline “Government Threatens to Gag Media”, Mr. Mweetwa stated that statutory regulation could be a necessary measure to “tame alarmists.” Such sentiments are deeply concerning as they pose a significant threat to Press Freedom, Freedom of Expression, and that of the independence of the media in Zambia.
In any democratic society, a free and independent press plays a crucial role in holding those in power accountable, informing the public, and fostering national development. Implementing statutory regulation on the media would create an environment of control and suppression, thereby undermining the fundamental rights enshrined in Zambia’s Constitution.
MISA Zambia firmly believes that journalists are professionals who carry out a noble and essential task of keeping the nation informed. Their dedication and perseverance in gathering and disseminating information, often under difficult circumstances, should be recognized and supported rather than stifled. Journalists already face numerous challenges in their line of work, including access to information barriers and threats to their safety. Introducing statutory regulation would only serve to worsen these challenges.
Instead of statutory regulation, MISA Zambia strongly advocates for the operationalization of media self-regulation. A self-regulatory framework ensures that ethical journalism standards are upheld without compromising media independence. A media sector governed by self-regulation promotes accountability while safeguarding journalists from undue political influence or legal restrictions that could hinder their work.
We, therefore, call upon the government to engage stakeholders in developing a legal and policy framework that strengthens media freedom rather than suppressing it. MISA Zambia remains open to dialogue and collaboration with the government and other relevant bodies to find a way forward that ensures the protection and independence of media professionals.
Issued by:
Mrs. Lorraine Mwanza Chisanga
Chairperson
MISA Zambia