LUSAKA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Zambia on Tuesday joined the rest of the world in commemorating this year's World Radio Day with the government calling for responsible use of radio as it was a double-edged sword that could be destructive if not well-handled.

Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa said radio should be used to deepen the country's democracy and development. He suggested radio should be used as a platform to highlight the country's investment opportunities and development taking place.

"I reiterate government's unwavering commitment to create a conducive environment for radio and the media in general, to thrive as it is a pre-requiste for deepening the country's democracy and development," he said.

He further said the government has heeded the call by the media on the prohibitive cost of importing radio and television equipment by waiving customs duty on selected equipment for the next three years.

The government, he said, was also amending some legislation governing the broadcasting sector to ensure smooth operations of the industry.

Lorraine Mwanza-Chisanga, the chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Zambia), urged the government to support the radio industry by enforcing punitive action for individuals found guilty of interfering with radio programming, especially political party affiliates. "The radio sector must be left to also carry out its role of informing, entertaining and educating citizens without hindrance," she said.

She further commended the government for the three-year tax holiday on broadcasting equipment and expressed confidence that radio stations will take advantage of the development to upgrade their equipment in the quest to maintain a higher standard of quality broadcasting.

The theme for this year's commemoration is "Radio: A Century of Informing, Entertaining and Educating." Enditem

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