THE GOVERNMENT has renewed calls on the media fraternity to form a national employment council (Nec) to push for decent and respectable remuneration for journalists.
Officiating at the Mashonaland West ZUJ journalism and media awards last week, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Marian Chombo said Nec would be advantageous for media personnel.
She said government recognised the importance of journalists and remained committed to ensuring that they perform their work unhindered.
“Government has expressed desire to improve the working environment of journalists through the enactment and amendment of enabling media statutes to guarantee freedom of the Press, media diversity and pluralism,” said Chombo.
“While journalists should carry out their duties free and unhindered, it is imperative that they remain professional and carry out their duties responsibly knowing that rights come with responsibilities.
“As the country continues with its economic transformation, marching towards Vision 2030, it is important for the media to unpack government’s aspirations for the common good of ordinary persons.”
Chombo noted that the media needed to continue playing its watchdog role to ensure that the government delivers on its social responsibilities.
“The twin vices, namely, drug abuse and corruption, are threatening to wreck the strides we have made as a nation since attainment of independence in 1980. Therefore, my humble appeal to the media is to expose drug lords and perpetrators of corruption in order to rid our society of these cancers,” she added.
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