ZNBC, Zambia, March 29, 2012

The media has been challenged to take interest in reporting on trade and budget issues to stimulate public participation in economic affairs.

Caritas Zambia Programme Officer for Economic and Environmental justice, Lucy Munthali says economic issues have a bearing on the daily lives of people.

She was speaking during a media training workshop on how to report on trade and the National budget for Livingstone based journalists on Tuesday.

Ms Muthali says caritas Zambia has observed lack of interest among journalist to report on economic issues as they devote much of their reporting on political issues.

And Consumer Unity and Trust Society Centre Co-ordinator Simon Ngona said the media has a role to play in advocating for policy changes that favours investment and create more jobs.

And government says women in media should ensure they comply to media ethical code of conduct which has been a source of concern in the past.

Ministry of information and broadcasting director for planning, press and public relations Gilbert Maimbo says the media is an important part of government which should remain focused and professional in their duties.

Mr Maimbo says the media should remain objective as they inform the nation and the world.

He said this during the launch of the Women in News programme in Lusaka Wednesday.

Journalists from Botswana, Namibia and Zambia are participating in the training programme.

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