Press Statement on the Commemoration of World Radio “Radio and Diversity”.
Rev. Fr. Winfield Kunda
By Fr. Winfield Kunda
Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB)-Communications Director
Wednesday 12th February 2020
Radio has continued to be a critical source of information for many in society as it commands a lot of following due its ease accessibility. Indeed, it is a medium that has that capacity to reach out the widest audience and it can shape a society’s experience of diversity. Radio can stand as an arena for all voices to speak out, be represented and heard. If put into good use, radio stations should serve diverse communities, offering a wide variety of programs, viewpoints and content, and reflect the diversity of audiences in their organizations and operations.
The theme of World Radio Day 2020 “Radio and Diversity” is well thought of. As they say, “diversity is the spice of life”, this medium is critical in bringing different voices on many matters that affect mankind.
As we celebrate this day, we commend men and women that have dedicated their time to educate, entertain and inform people through the radio waves. This is commendable, especially that their services offered are not proportionate to what they receive at the month end as pay. The situation, we are informed is bad and needs to be addressed especially for community radio stations. This we believe if not addressed urgently, the radio stations will not attract informed minds to inform people with right information. We suggest a deliberate policy to compel government departments to sponsor programs and run advertisements on community radio stations. This will help community radio stations greatly.
Radio Icengeo in Kitwe
We also urge the radio stations to hold fast to this year’s theme and give an opportunity to feature on radio to as many people as possible without favour.
Father Cleophas Lungu is ZCCB Secretary General
We further reiterate that radio stations should not only focus on politics but other issues that affect humanity like environment, health, education, economy, etc.
As the Church, we continue praying for all radio stations in our country and wish all radio owners and workers a happy world radio day.
May God bless all radio workers and owners, Fr. Winfield Kunda Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB)-Communications Director
