STOP DEMONIZING ZNBC TV PRESENTER CHISULO
My article is not meant to excite anyone because in a perfect society we need to disagree to agree.
Debate has ensued after ZNBC TV 1 Presenter Margaret Chisulo guided a Caller to use a language familiar with the Presenter.
Chisulo indicated that she could only understand three languages; English, Bemba and Nyanja.
The woman insisted to use Lozi when she could ably communicated effectively in the English language.
The caller was using good English to argue with the presenter.
Was the Presenter supposed to go for a break rushing to Local language section to invite an interpreter?
Get to know that if the presenter is struggling to understand the caller due to language barriers and it is affecting the flow of the program, it might be appropriate for them to politely ask the caller to switch to a language they understand better.
However, it is essential for the presenter to handle the situation with sensitivity and respect for the caller’s language and culture.
If a caller insults someone on air using a language not familiar to the presenter, the legal implications would affect the Presenter and the Station in general.
In many places, presenters are responsible for the content aired on their platforms, so they might face legal consequences if offensive or defamatory language is broadcasted.
However, if the presenter genuinely didn’t understand the insult and promptly disavows or apologizes for it, they might have some defense against legal liability.
Additionally, the broadcaster might have measures in place to prevent such incidents, such as pre-screening calls or having a delay system to censor inappropriate content before it goes on air. If these measures are not in place or fail to prevent the incident, the broadcaster could still face repercussions.
It’s crucial for broadcasters and presenters to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding broadcasting content, including offensive language, and to take appropriate measures to prevent legal issues.
As people condemn the presenter, why don’t we also condemn the caller diverting an important discussion on labour matters to discuss tribalism?
The caller was abusing the presenter for nothing when tribe cannot put food on the table.
Someone recently posted politics on ZNBC page, we have not heard what happened to the admin.
Another one mentioned ECL in place of HH and we agree that it was a genuine mistake.
Why tulefwaya ukutanika Chisulo?
Let’s just use this development for future improvements and put our energies towards things that can improve the welfare of Zambians.
About the Author:
Bangwe Naviley Chisenga is a Zambian ‘Convergent’ Freelance Journalist trained at Sharda University in India
If a Lozi is presenter,I speak Bemba but the Presenter does not understand ,it is only to use English if unable to ,then i should cut the call.We simply have to accept this language barrier as a real issue .This is one of petty issues we waste so much zime talking about instead of finding solutions to uplift the life of those below the poverty level line of our society.This is my view on the issue
I have repeatedly said that it would be unfair to take disciplinary action against Margaret Chisulo. State policy in Zambia has been to discriminate against some languages on ZNBC broadcasts since the time of Kenneth Kaunda in government. I repeat, this is still state policy even now. The result is that people whose languages have been discriminated against do not like it. ZNBC is run on taxes collected from everyone, including those whose languages are discriminated against.
After watching the clip again, I feel there was nothing wrong with what the presenter said or did by indicating to the caller that she only understands Bemba, Nyanja and English. The caller on the other hand clearly had anterior intentions by insisting on wanting to speak in Lozi but using English in doing so.
The caller was even told the station would host the same program under the local language section but now am certain she had a motive to create this tribal issue and for me it’s a shame that even the Mongu MP seems to be part of this motive it by the looks of his reaction!
Unfortunately, your training should have helped you see the anomally but it appears you are clueless despite the training you claim to have had.
If that was an English programme, why allow Nyanja and Bemba and NOT other languages? Both Nyanja and Bemba have local stations and why were they accommodated? If this is NOT clear then there is a problem.