CALLS by Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) for radio stations to avoid featuring guests whose message cannot be substantiated must be taken with the seriousness they deserve.
Some radio stations have continued to feature religious and traditional healers making claims such as promises of instant wealth, vengeance against enemies, restoration of lost lovers, or similar deceptive outcomes.
Clearly, some of the above promises like wealth creation cannot be met by abracadabra magic, but simply hard and honest work, short of that is deception.
Further, Zambia as a nation driven by biblical principles does not subscribe to vengeance even against the ‘so-called’ enemies because the Bible says so in
Romans 12:19: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord’.”
IBA is right to call on all broadcasting stations to put in place clear editorial guidelines
that categorically prohibit the hosting of religious or traditional healers with misleading claims.
Broadcasting, like any other form of journalism, is guided by principles and ethics that align with the supreme law of the land.
Radio and broadcasting in general from time immemorial has been nothing but all about informing, education and entertaining society. These are simply basics and a hallmark of the noble profession.
As such, any departure from the philosophies that govern its operations is not only misleading society but an affront to the profession.
In an age where information travels faster than ever, broadcasting remains one of the most powerful tools for shaping public opinion. Yet with great power comes great responsibility; a responsibility too often neglected.
Unethical broadcasting has become a troubling hallmark of modern media. Sensationalism, distortion of facts, and deliberate misinformation are on the rise.
Instead of serving the public interest, some broadcasters chase money at the expense of truth. The result is a society misled, divided and manipulated.
Broadcasting should be a beacon of truth, not a megaphone for deception. Ethical journalism demands accuracy, fairness and accountability.
The remedy lies in stronger regulation, transparent editorial standards, and a renewed commitment to integrity.
Broadcasters must remember that their duty is not merely to entertain, but to inform responsibly. A free press is vital to democracy, but a reckless press can undermine it.
If broadcasting is left to continue down the path of sensationalism and dishonesty, the very foundation of public discourse will crumble.
It is time to demand better, to hold broadcasters accountable, and to restore the values of truth and fairness that journalism was built upon.
We applaud IBA for their commitment to promoting responsible broadcasting and ensuring that all licensees operate within the legal and professional framework.
Calling radio stations back to basics
CALLS by Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) for radio stations to avoid featuring guests whose message cannot be substantiated must be taken with the seriousness they deserve.
Some radio stations have continued to feature religious and traditional healers making claims such as promises of instant wealth, vengeance against enemies, restoration of lost lovers, or similar deceptive outcomes.
Clearly, some of the above promises like wealth creation cannot be met by abracadabra magic, but simply hard and honest work, short of that is deception.
Further, Zambia as a nation driven by biblical principles does not subscribe to vengeance even against the ‘so-called’ enemies because the Bible says so in
Romans 12:19: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord’.”
IBA is right to call on all broadcasting stations to put in place clear editorial guidelines
that categorically prohibit the hosting of religious or traditional healers with misleading claims.
Broadcasting, like any other form of journalism, is guided by principles and ethics that align with the supreme law of the land.
Radio and broadcasting in general from time immemorial has been nothing but all about informing, education and entertaining society. These are simply basics and a hallmark of the noble profession.
As such, any departure from the philosophies that govern its operations is not only misleading society but an affront to the profession.
In an age where information travels faster than ever, broadcasting remains one of the most powerful tools for shaping public opinion. Yet with great power comes great responsibility; a responsibility too often neglected.
Unethical broadcasting has become a troubling hallmark of modern media. Sensationalism, distortion of facts, and deliberate misinformation are on the rise.
Instead of serving the public interest, some broadcasters chase money at the expense of truth. The result is a society misled, divided and manipulated.
Broadcasting should be a beacon of truth, not a megaphone for deception. Ethical journalism demands accuracy, fairness and accountability.
The remedy lies in stronger regulation, transparent editorial standards, and a renewed commitment to integrity.
Broadcasters must remember that their duty is not merely to entertain, but to inform responsibly. A free press is vital to democracy, but a reckless press can undermine it.
If broadcasting is left to continue down the path of sensationalism and dishonesty, the very foundation of public discourse will crumble.
It is time to demand better, to hold broadcasters accountable, and to restore the values of truth and fairness that journalism was built upon.
We applaud IBA for their commitment to promoting responsible broadcasting and ensuring that all licensees operate within the legal and professional framework.