Zambian Government(GRZ) bans radio phone-in political

UNCLAS LUSAKA 000949


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KMDR ZA
SUBJECT: Zambian Government(GRZ) bans radio phone-in political
programs


1. SUMMARY: Just as Zambia prepares for an October 30, 2008
presidential election, parties are jockeying for any media
advantages they can get, the GRZ banned radio stations from
conducting live phone-in programs. The ban, citing unbalanced and
unfair coverage of political parties, is supposed to last through
the entire election season. The move has thus far met with defiance
from radio stations and criticism from professional media bodies.
The GRZ implemented the ban soon after private radio station, Q FM,
had two consecutive programs featuring ruling party members who came
under heavy criticism by callers. END SUMMARY


2. In a statement on Friday, September 19, 2008 [but dated September
12, 2008] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services
permanent secretary Emmanuel Nyirenda directed all commercial and
community radio stations to stop airing phone-in programs during the
election period. Nyirenda observed that some radio stations had
political programs which provided unbalanced and unfair coverage of
political parties. He stated that stations needed to use special
technology which would allow for calls to be screened. Few, if any,
stations in Zambia would be able to purchase such equipment anytime
soon.


3. The government ban has been perceived as an attempt to undermine
media freedom and freedom of expression of citizens. The directive
is seen as an attempt to quell urban support for opposition
political parties, particularly the Patriotic Front (PF) and United
Party for National Development (UPND). Featuring PF and UPND
opposition leaders on live phone-in programs has previously been a
fairly typical tactic to launch attacks on the ruling party.
Clearly the ruling MMD party sees these programs as a legitimate
threat.


4. Q FM and others have defied the ban, vowing to carry on with
their popular phone-in programs. Q FM Managing director Asan Nyama
said the station would not be intimidated by the government. On
September 23, 2008, media associations spoke out against the ban in
a communiqu calling upon radio stations to ignore the government
directive and continue normal programming. The communiqu, which was
signed by seven local media bodies, said "the Ministry of
Information and Broadcasting Services must desist from issuing
statements that threaten to undermine media freedom and freedom of
expression of citizens."


5. Comment. The ban seems pointed directly at Lusaka-based Q FM,
which has stood out in providing live coverage of political events
in Zambia. In the run-up to the 2006 general elections, the station
was threatened by government police while broadcasting live during
polling. With the current collective stand to ignore the government
ban, it will be interesting to see what measures the government will
take against QerringQ radio stations as the presidential by-election
draws closer. The GRZ has over the years exercised intolerance with
community radio stations countrywide for featuring opposition
political parties. End comment.

KOPLOVSKY