28/09/2026
FPI’S STATEMENT ON THE COMMEMORATION OF WORLD NEWS DAY
Lusaka, 28 September 2026- The Zambia Free Press Initiative (FPI) joins journalists, media organisations and citizens around the world in commemorating World News Day, which recognises the important role of journalism in informing the public, strengthening democracy and holding power to account.
This year’s commemoration comes at a time when journalism is undergoing significant change. The rapid growth of digital platforms, artificial intelligence and social media has transformed how news is produced, distributed and consumed. At the same time, news organisations continue to grapple with declining revenues, misinformation and disinformation, shrinking resources and growing pressures on journalists.
These challenges make credible, independent and public-interest journalism more important than ever.
In Zambia, journalists continue to play a critical role in informing citizens and bringing attention to issues that affect communities, particularly those whose experiences and voices are often overlooked. Through investigative reporting, community journalism and everyday news coverage, journalists help citizens understand what is happening around them and provide an important check on those entrusted with public responsibility.
However, journalism cannot thrive without an environment that allows journalists to work freely, safely and professionally.
FPI calls for continued commitment to protecting press freedom and creating an enabling environment for journalism in Zambia. Journalists must be able to report on matters of public interest without intimidation, harassment or undue interference. Public institutions must also recognise that access to information is fundamental to journalism and to the public’s right to know.
The sustainability of journalism must also remain a priority. Quality public-interest reporting requires time, skills and resources. As traditional media business models come under increasing pressure, greater investment is needed to ensure that journalists and newsrooms have the capacity to produce accurate, ethical and meaningful journalism.
The changing digital environment also requires news organisations and journalists to adapt while maintaining professional and ethical standards. Artificial intelligence presents opportunities for journalism, but its use must be guided by accuracy, transparency, accountability and human oversight. Technology should strengthen journalism rather than undermine public trust in news.
World News Day is not only a moment to celebrate journalism; it is also an opportunity to reflect on the conditions under which journalism is practised. A healthy democracy requires citizens to have access to reliable information and journalists to have the freedom and capacity to seek, verify and report that information.
As FPI, we remain committed to strengthening journalism through capacity building, mentorship, safety initiatives and media development programmes that support journalists and media organisations to serve the public effectively.
We celebrate the journalists who continue to ask difficult questions, investigate issues that matter and tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
On this World News Day, FPI reaffirms its commitment to a Zambia where journalism is free, ethical, safe, sustainable and trusted, and where every citizen can access credible information in order to participate meaningfully in society.
Issued by:
Joan Chirwa
Founder
Zambia Free Press Iniative (FPI)
