Media Council adopts constitution and appoints NGC

The NGC will spearhead the operationalisation of the media self-regulatory mechanism.

Dr Manasseh Phiri, a medical doctor, who is a former director general of Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) a regular column its on issues of HIV and AIDS have been appointed as NGC chairperson to be deputised by Non-Governmental Organisation Coordinating Committee (NGOCC) executive director Engwase Mwale.

Other members appointed to serve on the ZAMEC NGC are Mike Daka, Edem Djokotoe, Reuben Lifuka, Nyambe Muyumbana, Andrew Sakala, Sister Nawa Sililo, Rodger Chongwe and Walubita Lwabelwa.

The adoption of the constitution and ratification of the NGC members is a landmark step in the operationalisation of a self-regulatory mechanism in Zambia.

The objective of ZAMEC is to regulate professional and ethical conduct of media practitioners in Zambia.

Further, ZAMEC is, among other functions, expected to receive and conciliate, mediate and arbitrate upon complaints from the public and among the media practitioners and institutions.

In his report, Media Liaison Committee (MLC) chairperson Mickie Mumba said in November 2010, ZAMEC was born and registered with the Company's Act as a corporate body limited by guarantee.

Mumba said since registration, ZAMEC had not been operational due to financial and legal constitutional challenges. He said at its second extraordinary general meeting of 6 July 2012, pertinent issues regarding the affairs of ZAMEC were identified and that made it difficult to conclude business amicably.

The MLC is an ad hoc body or coalition of nine independent media associations, media bodies, journalists' unions and strategic media development support organisations in Zambia.

It comprises the Catholic Media Services, Media Institute of Southern Africa Zambia Chapter, Press Association of Zambia, Press Freedom Committee of The Post, Panos Institute of Southern Africa, United Nations Information Centre Zambia Office, Zambia Women Media Association, Zambia Union of Broadcasters and Other Information Disseminators, and Zambia Union of Journalists.

Current members of ZAMEC include Times of Zambia, Zambia Daily Mail, The Post Newspapers, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Muvi TV, Radio Phoenix and Radio QFM while other media houses are expected to register.

Source: allAfrica