It is regretable that in this time and age, our national TV does not value the importance of fair coverage especially in an election period. This they (ZNBC) must realise that Zambia needs a President sold and accepted by the majority of Zambians. This can, and should be done by ZNBC taking on an objective role of informing the electorate of what the candidates are basing their campaigns on. When Zambians pay TV Licences, it is beyond affiliations and so must be given a variety of news.
An example of how ZNBC TV carries its news items is as follows in order of presentation. This is before the 1st Commercial Break.
1. Rupiah Banda - 2 items
2. Vernon Mwaanga on RB - 1 item
3. Edith Nawakwi on RB - 1 item
4. Ronnie Shikapwasha on RB - 1 item
5. Michael Mabenga on RB - 1 item
6. PF & UPND on campaigns - 1 item
7. Kalomo & Petauke election materials' distribution
8. ECZ's Chris Akufuna on polling station guidelines.
The above scenario is a tip of what has characterised our TV news time on ZNBC Main News of 25th October 2008. This gave Rupiah (MMD) 66%, Sata (PF) 06%, HH (UPND) and Electoral Commission 22%. This meant that Miyanda (HP) had no coverage whatsoever.
Let posterity judge our, 'it will show when you pay' station.
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe
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