Journalists in Eastern Province cautioned against soliciting for bribes to produce positive news.

Journalists in Eastern Province have been advised to desist from ‘cash for news coverage’ where journalists agree to publish positive news against payments.
Provincial Permanent Secretary, Bert Mushala says that such a practice brings down the credibility and professionalism of the media bodies.
Mr. Mushala also says that journalists have an obligation to provide information to the public by covering stories of corruption by politicians, business individuals and others.
He was speaking this morning at a media workshop organised by the ACC, Anti-Corruption Commission in Chipata.
Mr. Mushala further noted that government attaches great importance to the role of the media in promoting good governance and in exposing corrupt practices in both public and private institutions.
He explained that the work of the media should not divide citizens into information rich and information poor but have clear process, which show the right to know and interests of the public.
And speaking earlier ACC Regional Manager, Raymond Banda disclosed that the ACC is investigating a lot of corruption cases in Eastern Province involving huge sums of money.
Mr. Banda hinted that the ACC would soon release information on these graft cases.
And Mr. Banda explained that the media workshop is meant to enhance the skills of journalists in regard to the role of the media in the fight against corruption.
He hoped that the workshop will lead to the publishing and airing of more in-depth stories on graft related matters, initiated by journalists themselves as opposed to relying on press releases and media briefings for information.