PRESS STATEMENT: HON. SHIKAPWASHA TO OFFICIATE WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY CONFERENCE ON MAY 2 AND 3

World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) Organizing Committee

PRESS STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

1^st May 2011

The 2011 World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) Organizing Committee wishes to inform members of the public, media organizations, civil society organisations, statutory bodies concerned with media freedom and human rights and all concerned citizens, that the 2011 National Media Stakeholders' Conference, will take place at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) on 2^nd and 3^rd May 2011.                                                                                                                             

The Conference is scheduled to start at 08:00 hrs on Monday 2^nd May and will continue the next day at the same time. The purpose is to discuss issues affecting the journalism profession in Zambia, especially pertaining to election reporting and journalism ethics.

The Conference discussions will focus on the 2011 global WPFD theme, "21^st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers" and the local theme, "Ethical Reporting for a Free and Peaceful Electoral Process".

Key speeches at the Conference will be delivered by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Hon. Rev. Lt. Gen. Ronnie Shikapwasha, as well as United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative, Duah Owusu-Sarfo.  Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Director, Priscilla Isaac, will discuss
"The Role of the Media in Election: Electoral Code of Conduct, Rights and Responsibilities".

Other speakers at the Conference are Elizabeth Mweene Chanda, a lecturer in mass communication at the University of Zambia, who will discuss "Ethical Reporting for the 21^st Century Media: New Frontiers and New Barriers" and Amos Chanda,  Chairperson of the Media Liaison Committee (MLC) & Simon Mwila, Vice - Chairperson of the MLC, who will discuss "The Zambia Media Council (ZAMEC): Pushing the Frontiers of Ethical Journalism, Challenging the New Barriers".

The final presentation will be made by Mukeya Liwena, Radio Lyambai Station Manager, who will discuss "21^st Community Media: Challenges and Opportunities".

On May 3, there will be a march to commemorate World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) from "On The Run" at the Northmead Service Station to the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, starting at 13:00 hrs. The Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Shikapwasha, will flag off the march.

Amos Chanda

(WPFD Organizing Committee Chairperson)