Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The media in the country has been called upon to commit to their duty of defending the integrity of the truth without fear or favor.
Veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga is asking the media to do this regardless of how inconvenient or irritating doing this may be.
Vernon Mwaanga
In his World Press Freedom Day statement to Qfm News Dr. Mwaanga says the media should also stoutly reject threats of closure or intimidation in spite of the cost that this may bring.
Dr. Mwaanga notes that he is particularly aware that the media world wide faces many challenges and threats from insensitive and continued dictatorial and repressive regimes which seek to bag, punish and prevent the media from performing their duty in a free atmosphere.
He says his thoughts therefore are with them and their families on their important day that of World Press Freedom Day which falls today the 3rd of May annually.
The veteran politician states that World Press Freedom Day gives an opportunity to reflect on the role that the media play in the country and the world as whole.
He says besides informing, educating and entertaining citizens, in any democracy the media has an inescapable duty to keep political and other leaders in check in order that they do not abuse and mislead their people.
Dr. Mwaanga suggests that it is further the professional duty of the media to defend the interests of the people which he says are often threatened by selfish, corrupt and insensitive leaders.
He has additionally advised that the must report objectively.