The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) says air space can be utilised by talking about latest trends in agriculture technology, education, tourism and entrepreneurship.
As the world commemorates World Radio Day 2019, the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) says it is without argument that Radio has continued to play a pivotal role in the dissemination of information for people’s judgment on many issues.
ZCCB Communications Director Fr. Winfield Kunda says as testimony that lack of training is having an effect on the radio broadcasting industry in Zambia, air space is flooded with infotainment coupled with foreign music and commentaries.
“Such air space can be utilised by talking about latest trends in agriculture technology, education, tourism, entrepreneurship and other developments of concern close to their audience,” said Fr. Kunda.
He says since these community radio stations, private they may be, are helping the government in many areas of information dissemination, it should start training Community radio journalists in all regions of the country every year.
He proposes that a deliberate fund should be set for community radio training.
“We also note with sadness that many of our community radio presenters are too taking accents that are foreign and pretending as though they do not speak any of the local languages. This is not doing any good onto our heritage,” said the clergy.
“Radio journalists, broadcasters and other staff working for radio stations that have flourished in our country have greater influence on society, a reason why they should be equipped with information that can help develop the country.”
Fr. Kunda says though this industry takes talent as one of the prerequisites for one to be hired especially in community radio stations, however training is critical before people are engaged.
The ZCCB Communications Director notes that without training, radio journalists, producers and presenters will lack skill to interpret and communicate information in a right way.
“These radio workers may also lack judgement on issues to air. As the country takes strides to develop, Radio remains a critical tool that is easily accessible by many people especially in the far flung areas of the country where accesses to other source of information may be far-fetched. With such a development instead of being a useful tool for development, radio may end up being used to fuel insurrections,” said Fr. Kunda.

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