MISA threatens to have Chilangwa reprimanded

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has expressed concern over calls that the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) begin to regulate broadcast media in the Country.

Vice Chairperson Hyde Haguta says his institute’s concern is particularly that some leaders in government are making these calls when the IBA is already regulating broadcasting houses.

Mr. Haguta has told Q- News in a statement that MISA is fearful that such calls will impact the ability of broadcast media in airing critical stories as they will be referred to as hate speech.

He says MISA therefore condemns in strongest terms Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa’s remarks in which he allegedly urged the IBA to start regulating media houses critical of government.

Mr. Haguta states that says MISA is concerned that this is not the first time that Mr. Chilangwa is issuing such an undemocratic remarks.

He says his institute is of the view that this is pure intimidation of media houses providing checks and balances to government in its implementation of programmes.

Mr. Haguta says MISA will, in this case, have to engage the President’s office whom  it believe is media friendly to reprimand Mr. Chilangwa.