Police must protect journalists – MISA

SUN REPORTER writes@SunZambian MISA Zambia has appealed to the Zambia police to protect journalists in the line of duty especially as the country head towards the general elections next year.Meanwhile, the organisation has reminded political parties that it was not the duty of media houses to campaign for them but rather a platform to communicate policies and manifestos.MISA Zambia Board member, Martin Akende, said despite media recording growth in the recent years, journalists had continued to suffer harassment at the hands of political cadres.Mr Akende said it was unfortunate that media personnel still suffer harassment, violence, intimidation from both political players and members of the public.He said this during the lunch of the first and second state of the media report in Lusaka.Meanwhile, the review of the first and second quarters indicated that the state of the media was generally unstable despite certain gains.The report revealed that there was need for professionalism and adherence to the media ethics for both private and public media.The report has recommended for enhancement of autonomy and independence of Independent Broadcasting Authority it to professionally handle matters. The Sun