Online ReporterRemember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
THE media industry must continue upholding ethical and professional standards while adapting to the rapidly changing digital landscape, Zimpapers Group chief executive officer, Mr William Chikoto, has said.
Speaking during belated World Press Freedom Day commemorations held at Herald House in Harare this morning, Mr Chikoto said the media had a responsibility to build trust with the public through truthful and responsible reporting.
“Today is about conversation, your questions and our answers, and a shared commitment to truthful information,” he said.
“So this ‘Ask the Journalist’ event is a bridge-building platform. We are trying to create a bridge between the public and the media so that there is conversation.”
Mr Chikoto said the commemorations were a reminder of the importance of protecting press freedom and maintaining professionalism in journalism.
“It is important to protect the Press. It’s also a moment for us to reflect on the importance of professional journalism because the public is asking us questions: Are we really being professional? Are we really being ethical?” he said.
Mr Chikoto said the media industry remained committed to ethical journalism under the guidance of the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
“As an industry, we believe in ethical journalism, and the Zimbabwe Media Commission insists that all of us must commit ourselves to professional and ethical journalism,” he said.
Mr Chikoto also highlighted the growing importance of digital transformation in the media sector, saying traditional media institutions were now racing to match changing audience habits.
“Our audiences are already digital-first, so it is a new dispensation. We are playing catch-up,” he said.
Mr Chikoto said the company was investing in training facilities and nurturing future journalists through media clubs established in schools across the country.
“For the young people and schoolchildren, this is a day for us to inspire you to choose journalism as a career,” he said.
“If you are a curious person, a courageous person, someone who is committed to truth, this is a profession worth considering.”
