Zambian media in need of training on parliamentary reporting

Speaker of the National Assembly, Patrick Matibini, has chastened the press and called for serious investment in training of reporters in Parliamentary reporting to ensure that journalists do not misrepresent the proceedings of the house. 

In a ruling on a point of order raised by Kalomo Member of Parliament, Request Muntanga in which he wanted to know if Radio Phoenix were in order to broadcast information on July 23rd 2015 which alleged that Parliament had passed a resolution to increase salaries on a motion tabled by Hon. Patrick Mucheleka, Independent MP.

In giving his ruling as monitored by MISA Zambia, the speaker, after listening to the recording of the broadcast obtained from Radio Phoenix, stated that the station had actually published information which misrepresented the proceedings of the house. 

The speaker explained that in view of this, the station was guilty of breach of the Parliamentary Privileges as provided for by 25 b (National Assembly Act) Section 12 of the Laws of Zambia which outlines the offences under the Contempt of Parliament. 

Speaker Matibini therefore noted that Radio Phoenix was found wanting as regards the misrepresentation of the proceedings of the house and consequently contempt of parliament.

 He however stated that he would exercise lenience in making a ruling as other radio stations did air the same erroneous broadcast and he therefore considered the radio phoenix broadcast to be a result of honest and mistaken belief.

The speaker reminded journalists that the exercise of press freedom was not absolute but subject to certain limitations and journalists were to report responsibly and accurately. 

He added that misrepresentation of information was actually contrary to what press freedom intended to achieve as it lowered the creditability of the profession of journalism. 

The speaker has since urged Parliamentary reporters to always verify information with the Parliamentary Media Liaison officer. 

Radio Phoenixis alleged to have run a phone-in programme dubbed “Pulse” alleging that the house had passed a resolution to increase emoluments. 

If found guilty under the act, one is liable to a fine equivalent to 5000 penalty units or 12 months imprisonment or to both with or without labour.