The poverty of journalists exposes them to offers of various forms of gratification and other
back-handers from sources in return for favourable coverage and the promotion of private
agendas. There is a perception, therefore, that journalists are indeed vulnerable to corruption.
In fact, however, it is claimed that cases of bribery are few. Although young journalists from
time to time may ask for “something”, this is not really going to influence the content of the
publication because decisions are taken at the editorial level. Generally, the risk of exposure
for unprofessional behaviour has increased over the past few years thanks to a broad anti-corruption campaign in the country. Accordingly, cases of serious corruption in the media have
decreased.
SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

2, 2, 3, 3, 2, 3, 1, 3, 3, 3
2.5 (2005 = 1.3)

4.9 Training facilities offer formal qualification programmes for journalists
as well as opportunities to upgrade their skills.
ANALYSIS:
Journalism training is provided by three major institutions: the Evelyn Hone College (EHC),
Zambia Institute of Mass Communication (ZAMCOM) Trust, and the Department of Mass
Communication at the University of Zambia, as well as by a number of private institutions.
EHC has a one-year certificate course and a three-year diploma course. The Department of
Mass Communication offers a four-year professional Bachelor of Mass Communication (BMC)
degree. In addition, it has two masters programmes: the Master of Mass Communication (MMC)
and the Master of Communication for Development (MCD), which run over two years and a
year and a half respectively. In-service training for practicing journalists is obtainable at the
ZAMCOM Trust which has also added a diploma programme to its offerings, although not on
a regular basis. Another major in-service training provider is the Nordic SADC Journalism
Centre (NSJ). The Post and the Times of Zambia also have in-house training programmes for
their staff.
Taken together with numerous ad hoc seminars and workshops, all these institutions provide
sufficient facilities and opportunities for journalists to upgrade their skills and acquire new
ones.
SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

5, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 4, 5, 4
4.3 (2005 = 2.6)

4.10 Journalists and other media practitioners are organised in trade
unions and/or other professional associations.
ANALYSIS:
The majority of Zambian journalists and other media practitioners are members of professional organisations such as MISA-Zambia, The Press Association of Zambia (PAZA), the
Zambia Media Women’s Association (ZAMWA) or the somewhat moribund Commonwealth
Press Union (CPU) Zambia Chapter. All staff of the Post are members of the company’s Press
So This Is Democracy? 2007

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Media Institute of Southern Africa

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