…The narrative to create a picture that media freedoms are under attack by the UPND government backfires…
The Editor
Kenmark Broadcasting Network (KBN) found itself in hot water online last night after attempting to create a narrative that media freedoms and free speech have been curtailed under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration. 
On its flagship programme, “The Big Hour,” the station featured a well-known Lusaka journalist who runs a critical rogue online news outlet.
The journalist appeared on the show disguised, mimicking a Ghanaian investigative journalist known as Anas. However, netizens were quick to call out the station, which is owned by a Patriotic Front (PF) cadre, and Harry Kalaba’s associate, Pastor Emmanuel Mambwe.
Many online users accused KBN of trying to dramatise the interview and peddle a false narrative about the lack of freedom of expression in the country.
In the comment section, listeners such as Mabvuto Mt’onga observed that, “KBN should stop exaggerating and applying the law where it’s not applicable. The law only applies to the cyber space or social media, not media houses. So unveil that fool”.
Whiteson Shimo Mulela wrote, “this TV station is trying too much to invite the law against it. The owners of this TV station want it to be closed so that they can paint a bad picture on the government and claim bad governance. They are trying all they could for want of saying thr UPND government is against media freedom”.
Maboshe Monde Kaywala also warned saying “this is nonsense ba KBN. Why bring such kind of a person who is hiding his identity behind a veil”.
Medson Chizyibwa Nchemba said, “Just trying to dramatise the interview and passing a false narrative of lack of freedom expression in the country..This person can easily be identified..”
“There is no one in Zambia who deserves to be like Anas. Nothing has been uncovered here, so there is no need for this drama. Our journalists can’t even uncover simple and easy stories or scandals in compounds. Which investigative journalism are they talking about. This drama should stop”, said Brighton Chama
Ernest Mukelabai wrote, “Oppression? Don’t make us laugh. You’re free to insult leaders, post nudity, and spread conspiracy theories daily, then cry “dictatorship” when the law catches up with you. Stop it. The government prosecutes lawbreakers, not loudmouths. If you’re convicted, it’s not persecution. It’s called facing the consequences.
No one forced Munir Zulu to embarrass himself with unproven claims. He failed in court. End of story. Stop blaming the State for your own recklessness. Obey the law. Be accountable. Quit acting like democracy means lawlessness”.
Simon Mwanza wrote, “Such propaganda is dangerous for the peace of our country”.
Gift Chimpangu quipped “Courageous men don’t hide under the veil. If he knows he is speaking the truth, why is he hiding?”
Plantine Chitima commented, “the topic is press freedom in Zambia and the police but he is here doing politics. Stick to the topic.”
Lucky Choolwe wrote, “actually this journalist has messed up KBN TV”.
Phillip Jere wrote, “This one is a coward, a journalist should be bold enough to confront any ills of the society… So far, he has not said anything new and catchy!”
Mwengwa Tongeka wrote, “this is useless and childish. The man is a coward to the extent of fearing his own shadow.”
Maboshe Monde Kaywala commented, “This is nonsense ba KBN why bring such kind of a person who is hiding his identity behind a veil”.
Chewe Mwango commented, “typical PF cadre, the language gives the chap away”.
KJ Nathan commented, “the picture we are trying to paint to the outside world is like shooting ourselves on foot…our situation has not and will never reach this level as KBN TV is trying to portray it.”
The station has been critical, unprofessional, biased interviews, and unbalanced news in a bid to invite problems from the broadcasting regulator Independent Broadcasting Authority IBA.
