More media jobs possible- Mwamba

By SITEMBILE SIWAWA

THE media industry has potential to be one of the largest employers in Zambia, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services permanent secretary Emmanuel Mwamba has said.

He said that apart from the telecommunications industry, the media sector has the answer for the challenge of unemployment faced by graduates of journalism schools.

Mr Mwamba said this when he toured Muvi Television offices in Lusaka yesterday during his tour of Zambian media houses.

"My visits to other media houses have demonstrated that this industry can employ many young people and this is the reason why Government is trying by all means to develop this industry," Mr Mwamba said.

He also commended Muvi Television for being the key partner in the growth of the electronic media in the country.

"Muvi Television has done well. They give us diverse views, programmes and local content which is exemplary," he said.

Mr Mwamba appealed to Zambia National Broadcasting Corporatgion to increase local content to remain relevant in the electronic media business.

Meanwhile, Mr Mwamba has appealed to the media to help fight regionalism and tribalism and promote democratic principles.

He said the media should fight ethnic inclinations that can divide the country.

And Mr Mwamba also toured Radio Phoenix at their new offices and featured on a special programme.

He said there has been mutual mistrust in the past between Government and the media and there is need to normalise the situation.

"We want to bridge the gap between Government and the media to ensure that the larger goals Government has of developing Zambia are not hindered by poor relations," he said.

Speaking earlier, Muvi Television managing director Costa Mwansa said the station has acquired an outside broadcasting van.

Muvi TV employs 400 people and has created jobs for performing artists who feature in local drama productions.