The Media Owners Association of Zambia (MOAZ), along with several other media organisations, has come out strongly against the proposed Zambia Institute of Journalism Bill, which seeks to introduce mandatory registration of journalists and establish a regulatory framework to govern their professional conduct.
The media bodies have expressed deep concern, describing the Bill as a direct threat to media freedom in the country. They have urged the government to immediately set aside the proposed legislation, arguing that it appears designed to stifle independent journalism rather than promote ethical standards.
According to the organisations, there has been no prior consultation or engagement with key stakeholders in the media industry during the drafting process. They claim to have been caught unaware by the emergence of the Bill, raising questions about its origin and the motives behind it.
In response, Chief Government Spokesperson and Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa, clarified that the Bill was not initiated by the government. He stated that the proposal came from a group of private journalists and is currently in the form of a layman’s draft. Minister Mweetwa added that the draft has since been referred to the Legislative Drafting Department for further consideration.
Despite the government’s distancing from the initiative, media stakeholders remain wary, calling for greater transparency and inclusivity in any legal reforms that affect the media landscape. They maintain that any attempt to regulate journalism must be rooted in broad-based consultations and must not compromise the fundamental right to press freedom.