Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Kennedy Kalunga has challenged the media to be professional and exercise self-regulation.
Mr Kalunga said his Ministry expects media personnel to uphold their ethics as they disseminate information to the public.
He reiterated that government will not interfere in media operations but allow for free news coverage.
ZANIS reports that the Permanent Secretary said this in Kasama when he addressed media personnel from both public and private institutions.
He observed that journalists have the duty to serve public interest and should at all times verify information obtained from sources before it is published.
Earlier, Mr Kalunga paid a courtesy call on his Northern Province counterpart Bernard Mpundu who expressed concern over the lack of essential equipment for the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS).
Mr Mpundu said some officers in districts are being compelled to use their smartphones due to lack of cameras and computers.
He said there is urgent need to equip the department to enhance its operations.
And in response, Mr Kalunga said his ministry has this year planned to procure cameras and other equipment for ZANIS offices across the country.
Meanwhile, ZANIS Northern Province Information Officer Emmanuel Banda said the department is doing its best to highlight government programmes in the province despite the challenges.
And Radio Mano Community Station Manager Kennedy Mbulo appealed to government to expedite the enactment of the Access to Information Bill.
Mr Kalunga was on a familiarization tour of media institutions in Kasama where he visited ZANIS, ZNBC transmission station, the newly built Provincial Television Studio and Radio Mano Community Station.
– ZANIS
