• Zambia joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Radio Day.
• World Radio Day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012.
• Government re-affirms its commitment to the growth of the media

Government has re-affirmed its commitment to the growth of the media industry in the country especially radio broadcasting.
Speaking during the official launch of the 2021 World Radio Day, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dora Siliya noted that the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has accelerated the issuance of broadcasting licenses which stands at 149 for radio stations.

Ms. Siliya, who is also Chief Government Spokesperson, stated that this ranks Zambia’s broadcasting industry as one of the most liberalized in the region and beyond.

She further noted that the move is also in line with Government’s agenda to promote freedom of expression, a fundamental requirement for a thriving democracy.

“In 2020, my ministry initiated and concluded the Government Communication Strategy, the Government Communication Policy and the Media Development Policy,” Ms. Siliya said.

Ms. Siliya expressed happiness that Government approved the Council of Journalists Bill which is expected to be presented in parliament soon.
She said the Bill was generated by the journalist’s calls for self-regulation among practitioners to ensure ethical news gathering and reporting remains a standard in Zambia.

“Radio not only informs, but also transforms lives. It facilitates sustainable development and positive social change of the people by conveying the sufferings and sorrows, difficulties and limitations as well as successes and celebrations in communities. It also brings people and communities together socially and economically. Radio is also a key enabler in addressing other social and economic developmental issues such as health, agriculture, education, gender activism and child abuse. ”

“The challenge is how do we continue to maintain radio as a messenger of trustworthy information in the new normal of social media. New communication technologies continue to call for high standards of practice by trained media personnel such as journalists,” she stated.

She commended radio stations across the country and the media in general, for their relentless and front-line role in the fight against Covid-19.

This year’s commemoration of World Radio Day is at a time when the world is battling with the deadly Covid-19 pandemic. As the closest, commonest and most accessible medium of communication to the people, radio has played a forceful role in the fight against Covid-19, through information dissemination.”

“On behalf of the Government, I take this opportunity to pay glowing tribute to radio stations across the country and the media in general, for their relentless and front-line role in the fight against Covid-19 even at the risk of their lives,” Ms. Siliya added.

Zambia has today February 13 2021, joined the rest of the globe in commemorating World Radio Day under the theme “New World, New Radio.”

World Radio Day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an international Day to be commemorated by all member states of the United Nations.

“World Radio Day, has, therefore, been designated as an occasion for countries to celebrate the importance of radio as a global communication tool.”