media had no option but to invest in knowledge on a wide range of issues for them to effectively disseminate information. Mr Malupenga said this yesterday during the launch of a pre-election monitoring report (March to May this year) by MISA Zambia. The report states that the media still have challenges in balancing stories. The report shows that 76 percent of stories surveyed were unbalanced and lacked objectivity. The project is supported by the European Union (EU), in collaboration with BBC Media Action and MISA Zambia. Mr Malupenga said the report also highlights an example of bad journalism in which stories on electoral issues were single-sourced and unbalanced. “I wish to remind the media that elections are not about one particular event such as nominations or the election date. Rather, it is about the entire election process from registration of voters, voting and to announcement of the results,” Mr Malupenga said. Communique-29th May (Lusaka Times) Fr. Benedict Ngandwe was ushered into office to serve as the new MISA Zambia Chairperson following an elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Friday at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lusaka. Others elected into office included Jean Ndayisenga, Dr. Basil Hamusokwe and Fr. Barnabas Simatende as Committee Members to serve in the National Governing Council (NGC) of MISA Zambia. Fr. Ngandwe who is also Radio Icengelo Director replaces Hellen Mwale who served in that position as the first female candidate and has contributed to the growth and development of the Zambian chapter of MISA. Fr. Ngandwe thanked the outgoing Board for their work and called for unity for the development and growth of MISA Zambia. The MISA Zambia NGC is responsible for providing policy direction to the institution thus rendering it a true democratic membership driven organisation. The new board will serve for a term of three years…. Communique 8th June 2021(News Diggers) GERMAN ambassador to Zambia Anne Wagner-Mitchel called on the Zambia Police to provide a safe space in which democracy can be exercised ahead of the August polls. Speaking during the official opening of the practical course in safety and security for journalists, Monday, Ambassador Wagner-Mitchel noted that the political atmosphere in the country was currently rough and that the freedom of the media was under threat. “Zambia has a history of multi-party democracy and peaceful elections. But currently, the political atmosphere is very rough ……. Communique 8th June 2021 (Lusaka Times) Radio Icengelo Chief Executive Officer and MISA Zambia Chairperson Rev. Fr. Benedict Mwelwa Ng’andwe died. Catholic Diocese of Ndola Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Benjamin Phiri announced the death of Fr. N’gandwe. Bishop Phiri revealed that Fr. Ng’andwe, 52, who at the time of his death served as Our Lady of Africa Parish Priest, died today at Kitwe Teaching Hospital due to high blood pressure and diabetes…… Communique-15th June 2021 (Speech Analyst) Privately owned Camnet TV decided not to renew the contract for Station’s News Editor, Kalani Muchima. Mr. Muchima, had a one-year contract with the church sponsored television which expired today, 15th June, 2021. State of the Media in Zambia 27