The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has expressed concern at the manner in which some broadcasting houses are pursuing suspected COVID 19 patients in their line of work.

In a statement obtained by Money FM News, Authority Director General Josephine Mapoma said Journalism Ethics demand that the public’s right to information should not outweigh the right of victims of suspected patients of the epidemic, to privacy confidentiality and dignity.

Ms Mapoma has since guided all broadcasting stations to exercise maximum professionalism and observe ethics in reporting about the patients and suspected persons of the pandemic.
“The Authority wishes to guide all broadcasting stations to exercise maximum professionalism and observe ethics in reporting about the patients and suspected persons of the COVID 19 pandemic,” She said.

She further called on all broadcasters to adhere to Section Eight of the IBA Standard Operating Procedures which states that Broadcasting on Privacy in Zambia provides for information that discloses the location of a person’s home or family must not be revealed without permission.
“Broadcasters must also note that if an individual or organisation’s privacy is being infringed, and they ask that the filming, recording or live broadcast be stopped, the Licensee must do so.” She said
Ms Mapoma said to this effect, broadcasting houses must heed to the call by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services and the Minister of Health to be professional and avoid violating the suspected patient’s right to privacy.