Hands Off Our Press!

... Zambian journalists unite to oppose state interference through the proposed Zambia Institute of Journalism Bill.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (April 24, 2025) — Zambian journalists have unanimously rejected the proposed Zambia Institute of Journalism Bill, which they argue threatens to impose state regulation on the media.

In response, the journalists reaffirmed their commitment to media self-regulation, which they believe is vital for preserving press freedom and journalistic integrity.

Kennedy Maambwe, Chairperson of the Media Self-Regulation Committee, opened the press conference by underscoring the importance of unity among journalists.

He called the situation a battle for the future of journalism in Zambia.

“This is a battle for the soul of journalism in Zambia,” Maambwe stated.

“We reject statutory regulation. The nation is watching — and we must stand together.”

Maambwe reminded those present of the critical role that media professionals play in shaping the national conversation.

He questioned whether journalists could proceed with a unified stance on self-regulation, stressing that their actions would define the profession’s future.

Opposition to State Control

Lauren Mwanza, Chairperson of MISA Zambia, highlighted the severity of the issue at hand, calling the bill a direct threat to media independence.

Mwanza reaffirmed that MISA Zambia stood firmly against state interference in media operations.

“The Zambia Institute of Journalism Bill undermines the foundation of professional journalism. We stand with the Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia in rejecting state interference,” Mwanza said, emphasizing that such a move would compromise media freedom and professional ethics.

Mwanza’s remarks were clear: the bill represented an unacceptable shift towards state control over the media, with potential long-term consequences for journalistic independence in Zambia.

Self-Regulation: A Core Value

Charity Mutonga, representing the Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia, strongly opposed the bill, reaffirming the media’s collective position on the matter.

She pointed out that media self-regulation had been developed and adopted by journalists themselves, without external pressure or interference.

“We fully support media self-regulation. This is a system we have voluntarily subscribed to, and we reject the proposed Zambia Institute of Journalism Bill. We don’t know who drafted it or consulted on it, but one thing is clear — we reject it,” Mutonga said firmly.

“We were directly involved in drafting, reviewing, and validating the constitution and code of ethics for media self-regulation. Over 100 journalists attended the AGM at Mika Convention Centre, where we voted in the current executive of the Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia.”

Mutonga highlighted that the digital age presented new challenges for journalists, requiring a more inclusive and responsive approach to regulation, not one imposed by the state.

She called on fellow journalists to continue advocating for a system that respects media independence while addressing the evolving landscape of journalism in the digital era.

A Call for Better Working Conditions

Veteran journalist Francis Chipalo echoed the sentiments of his colleagues, stressing that the challenges journalists face in Zambia are not limited to the threat of state regulation but also stem from poor working conditions.

Chipalo noted that many journalists in Zambia face irregular salaries, which hampers their ability to practice ethical journalism.

“Many of us receive low and irregular salaries. This affects our ability to practice ethically and professionally — we’re forced to focus on survival, which compromises quality journalism,” Chipalo said. 

“A motivated and well-paid journalist is essential to media business and professionalism.”

Chipalo’s comments addressed an often-overlooked issue: the financial strain under which many journalists in Zambia work. 

He appealed to media owners to improve working conditions, as he believes this is critical for the continued growth and professionalism of the media sector.

“We are not your enemies — we are partners in development,” Chipalo added. 

“I appeal to media owners to prioritize improving our working conditions. This is the foundation of the professionalism we all seek.”

A Unified Message

The press conference concluded with a unified statement from the journalists present, reaffirming their stance against statutory regulation and state interference in media operations.

“We will not let anyone take away our right to self-regulate, speak truth to power, and defend democracy,” the journalists declared.

In a powerful display of solidarity, Zambian journalists made it clear that they will continue to fight for self-regulation and against any attempt to curtail press freedom. 

The journalists remain steadfast in their belief that media independence is crucial for the protection of democracy, accountability, and the public’s right to information.