Minister Mweetwa Emphasizes Environmental Focus at World Press Freedom Day Commemoration
Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, presided over the commemoration of the 2024 World Press Freedom Day at Chikuni FM Radio in Monze District, Southern Province.
Under the theme “A PRESS FOR THE PLANET: JOURNALISM IN THE FACE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS,” Minister Mweetwa underscored the critical role of a free and vibrant press in addressing environmental challenges, which the Zambian government actively promotes in society.
In his address, Minister Mweetwa urged Zambian media to give prominence to environmental issues in their coverage and programming, emphasizing the media’s responsibility in sensitizing communities to the urgency of environmental preservation amidst climate change.
Highlighting government initiatives, Mweetwa pointed out the waiver on tax for broadcasting equipment importation for the next three years, designed to foster a favorable environment for media growth, particularly in the radio sector.
Minister Mweetwa emphasized that press freedom extends beyond reporting, encompassing freedom from the impacts of climate change such as droughts, floods, and crop failures, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing the policy and legal environment for media development.
The Minister lauded the Access to Information Bill, recently enacted into law to promote transparency in government operations, and announced ongoing efforts to transform the state-owned broadcaster, ZNBC, into a public entity, placing it in the hands of the people.
Speaking on economic recovery, Mweetwa acknowledged the challenges faced by the media industry, assuring that government initiatives to revive the economy would benefit all sectors, including the media.
He called upon the media to actively engage with government measures for economic revival and to inform the public accordingly.
Minister Mweetwa concluded by congratulating Chikuni Radio for 23 years of dedicated service to the nation, affirming the station’s contribution to the media landscape in Zambia.
