ZNBC's binding Editorial Policy Baffles Media Gurus
THE Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) launched it;s Editorial Policy on 22nd April, 2014. ZNBC board chairman John Mulwila said provisions in the news and current affairs editorial policy are binding to all employees. Mulwila warned that those who will abrogate the provisions of the news and current affairs editorial policy will be punished in accordance with the disciplinary code of conduct.
“Further, the provisions contained are also binding on external interest groups or individuals. Those who abrogate these provisions shall be dealt with according to provisions of the Laws of Zambia and other media regulatory bodies,” he said
“Further, the provisions contained are also binding on external interest groups or individuals. Those who abrogate these provisions shall be dealt with according to provisions of the Laws of Zambia and other media regulatory bodies,” he said
Mulwilwa’s statement if indeed reflects the contents of this document that is not yet public has worried Zambian media experts who are baffled at the extent of its implications.
Veteran Zambian journalist Gershom Ndhlovu wrote, “Working at ZNBC will mean walking a tight rope! “Mis-reporting” will be breaking the laws of the country”
Media trainer Larry Njungu observes that an editorial policy is internal looking or facing as opposed to external looking. It is again not equivalent to an Act of parliament which becomes binding on everyone within the country’s jurisdiction.
“I want to think that Dr Mulwila, the learned counsel was misquoted. How can an internal document be said to be binding to outsiders who are (or were) not part to it?” Larry said.
In supporting Larry’s position Gershom explained that the test of an editorial policy is in the number of libel cases an organisation has to contend with rather than the number of reporters that go to jail. Media companies can insure against libel and if reporters have to be punished, this is a purely internal matter!
Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia chairperson Wilson Pondamali says he could foresee this kind of talk from Dr. John Mulwila whom he described as a legal practitioner and former United Party for National Development vice president..
Press Association of Zambia PAZA’s Andrew Sakala expressed fear that if Dr Mulwila’s pronouncements are correct then, media freedom will be stifled… saying a peaceful expression of an opinion should not result in criminal sanctions.
“I would like to see a copy of this policy, I hope ZNBC will make it public so that we make informed comment but the key is that editorial policy is supposed to enhance professional and ethical journalism. I wonder how non-employees of ZNBC will violate the policy to attract punishment!@gershom…ideally the publisher is supposed to held responsible for libel and other editorial issues” Sakala said.
Nyalubinge Ngwende said “I was going to be happy if the board chairman told those fond of harassing the national broadcaster staff from political pedestals to desist from doing so because the editorial policy protects the work of staff.
Staff were supposed to be given more space to explore their talent and told to feel free because this time more than ever they will be protected from overzealous politicians or board members.”
Veteran Zambian journalist Gershom Ndhlovu wrote, “Working at ZNBC will mean walking a tight rope! “Mis-reporting” will be breaking the laws of the country”
Media trainer Larry Njungu observes that an editorial policy is internal looking or facing as opposed to external looking. It is again not equivalent to an Act of parliament which becomes binding on everyone within the country’s jurisdiction.
“I want to think that Dr Mulwila, the learned counsel was misquoted. How can an internal document be said to be binding to outsiders who are (or were) not part to it?” Larry said.
In supporting Larry’s position Gershom explained that the test of an editorial policy is in the number of libel cases an organisation has to contend with rather than the number of reporters that go to jail. Media companies can insure against libel and if reporters have to be punished, this is a purely internal matter!
Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia chairperson Wilson Pondamali says he could foresee this kind of talk from Dr. John Mulwila whom he described as a legal practitioner and former United Party for National Development vice president..
Press Association of Zambia PAZA’s Andrew Sakala expressed fear that if Dr Mulwila’s pronouncements are correct then, media freedom will be stifled… saying a peaceful expression of an opinion should not result in criminal sanctions.
“I would like to see a copy of this policy, I hope ZNBC will make it public so that we make informed comment but the key is that editorial policy is supposed to enhance professional and ethical journalism. I wonder how non-employees of ZNBC will violate the policy to attract punishment!@gershom…ideally the publisher is supposed to held responsible for libel and other editorial issues” Sakala said.
Nyalubinge Ngwende said “I was going to be happy if the board chairman told those fond of harassing the national broadcaster staff from political pedestals to desist from doing so because the editorial policy protects the work of staff.
Staff were supposed to be given more space to explore their talent and told to feel free because this time more than ever they will be protected from overzealous politicians or board members.”
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