ZNBC DG’S DEPARTURE HIGHLIGHTS MEDIA REFORM STRUGGLES

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Posted by admin on January 26, 2026 at 3:37 AM

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The ZNBC Board has announced that it has mutually agreed to part ways with Director General Berry Lwando, whose last working day was Friday, January 23, 2026. The announcement was made by Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana, who further disclosed that Reuben Kajokoto, ZNBC’s Director of Legal Services, has been appointed Acting Director General until further notice.

Mr. Lwando had served as ZNBC Director General since 2023.

The manner in which the departure was communicated by a Permanent Secretary rather than the ZNBC Board Chairperson has reignited debate about the difference between state-owned media and true public media.

In principle, public media is defined by its funding mechanisms, governance structures, and editorial independence.

In Zambia, however, successive governments from UNIP to UPND have maintained influence over ZNBC, often reorganizing newsroom structures and senior management to align with political interests.

This has led critics to argue that ZNBC functions more as state-controlled media, with editorial content shaped by government priorities rather than public interest.

True public broadcasters are expected to act as mediators between the state and the public, focusing on how policies affect citizens rather than amplifying government messaging.

In Zambia, ZNBC has often been accused of over-covering ministerial statements and prioritizing government narratives, even when editorial judgment might suggest otherwise.

The recurring phrase by officials that “government and the media are partners in development” has been criticized as misleading, since the media’s role is to hold government accountable rather than act as its partner.

The departure of Mr. Lwando underscores the ongoing struggle for media law reforms in Zambia.

Advocates argue that reforms are necessary to guarantee editorial independence, protect journalists from political interference, and ensure ZNBC serves the public interest rather than government agendas.

With the country heading into an election season, the debate over ZNBC’s role and independence is expected to intensify.