ZAMBIA: Radio Is a Critical Tool For Information Sharing in Society
Fr. Winfield KundaZCCB Director for Communications
As the world commemorates World Radio Day which falls on 13th February, Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops Director for Communications Fr. Winfield Kunda has said radio continues to be a critical source of information for many in society.
He said this is because radio commands a lot of following due its ease accessibility.
“Radio has continued to be a critical source of information for many in society as it commands a lot of following due its ease accessibility. Indeed, it is a medium that has that capacity to reach out the widest audience and it can shape a society’s experience of diversity. Radio can stand as an arena for all voices to speak out, be represented and heard. If put into good use, radio stations should serve diverse communities, offering a wide variety of programs, viewpoints and content, and reflect the diversity of audiences in their organizations and operations,” he said.
Fr. Kunda also urged the radio stations to hold fast to this year’s theme Radio and Diversity, by giving to as many people as possible and without favour the opportunity to be featured on radio.
In a statement to the media, Fr. Kunda commended men and women that have dedicated time to educate, entertain and inform people through the radio.
“This is commendable, especially that their services offered are not proportionate to what they receive at month-end as pay. The financial situation of many radio stations, we are informed, is bad and needs to be addressed especially for the community radio stations. This, if not addressed urgently, means that our radio stations will not attract informed minds to inform people with right information,” he added.
He has since suggested that a deliberate policy to compel government departments to sponsor programs and run advertisements on community radio stations be put in place saying this will greatly help the community radio stations.
The ZCCB Communications Director further reiterated that radio stations should not only focus on politics but also on the other issues that affect humanity like environment, health, education and the economy.
By Mwenya Mukuka
