ZAMBIA: Radio is Still Essential Tool for Democratization and Development of Society

Mwenya Mukuka

Catholic Media Services (CMS) has underscored that radio with its wide reach, still remains an essential tool for democratisation and development of any society in spite of the advent of other media.

Catholic Media Services (CMS) Executive Director Fr. Winfield Kunda has said this as Zambia joins the rest of the world in celebrating World Radio Day on the 13^thof February, 2021,

“As Zambia joins other countries in commemorating World Radio Day, Catholic Media Services appreciates the role those men and women journalists play for using radio as an agent of information dissemination,” Fr. Kunda has said.

Fr. Kunda has further added that as the Word Radio Day is observed, it should be kept in mind how important radio is to Zambia especially that the country is soon to have national elections.

“As country goes to the polls to elect its leaders to govern the affairs of our government, we hope that radio will be used to create critical content that will inform the public on how elections are to be conducted, and that it will be a platform for electoral education and debate. We also hope that the radio will be used as a non-discriminatory platform that will allow all would-be candidates to engage the public,” he said.

The CMS Director has since urged journalists to maintain a high level of professionalism, accuracy and impartiality in their coverage as they host those who have indicated to take part in elections saying it should be done by adherence to the tenets that guide broadcasting industry in Zambia.

Fr. Kunda who further called for continuous training especially for citizen journalists that work in community radio stations also urged radio workers to continue sensitising listeners on the need to keep themselves healthy and prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

“Community radio broadcasting, like our 9 Catholic radio stations across the county, can play a vital role in changing the mentality of citizens as we respond to challenges such as the Coronavirus pandemic,” he said.