Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Information and broadcasting services Minister Joseph Katema has warned journalists to desist from alarming the outside world with their sensational reporting suggesting that the country is on fire.
Speaking during the launch of the e-times an online newspaper by the Times of Zambia in Lusaka last evening, Dr. Katema wonders why the media is fond of thriving on false news reports.
Dr. Katema says it is unfortunate that when he travels abroad, he finds Zambians anxious to come back home because of the perception created by the media that the country is on fire.
And Dr. Katema has hailed the Times Printpack for embracing technology and programs aimed at serving the Zambian people better.
He says the initiative to launch e-times is commendable as it is in line with government’s agenda of ensuring that Zambians are well informed regardless of the place where they are.
Dr Katema says it is important for the media to grow their business, but that the media should never resort to falsehood or sensational reporting for the sake of making profits.
He states that the media should always be professional and aim at obtaining first hand information through the front door.
And speaking earlier, Times of Zambia acting Managing Director Chishimba Chishimba says his management will not seatback and relax despite the financial challenges the institution is facing.
Mr Chishimba says Times of Zambia has hardworking staff who will help take the company to greater heights.
The e-times will enable readers of the Times of Zambia and Sunday Times newspapers access the paper digitally without any geographical limitations.
The e-times has been launched in collaboration with the MTN mobile money service.