The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia is deeply concerned over the continued threatening of the media, especially private media, by ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) party officials.

MISA Zambia, Chairperson Dennis Sikazwe is saddened that some senior MMD party officials are demanding for the removal of Hot FM station manager Joe Chilaizya because of the Red Hot breakfast programme which the MMD thinks makes fun of its leadership, as well as for airing live Patriotic Front (PF) rallies, failure to which the operating licence of the radio station would be revoked.
Mr. Sikazwe says MISA Zambia finds such threats on the media by the named party officials to be very undemocratic and unacceptable, and this act should be condemned in its strongest terms possible, especially that the elections are around the corner and the political landscape is heating up.
He has since appealed to the ruling party and the media to embrace dialogue and address issues amicably so that the levels of trust and partnership between the party and the media can be restored.
Sikazwe has also called on the MMD to desist from such practices, and view the media as a partner in development which they can take advantage of to enhance transparency, good governance and civic participation in the governance of their country.
He appeal to the government and police also to ensure that they come up with measures to ensure that Journalists are adequately protected during public functions and rallies of both opposition and ruling political parties as we enters the campaign period.
(Flavafm)