MISA-Lesotho calls for media training

MASERU– THE Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Lesotho) National Director, Lekhetho Ntsukunyane, has lambasted local journalists for snubbing trainings the institute organized.

Speaking at the International Radio Day celebration at the American Corner at the State Library today, Ntsukunyane said they “refuse to come for training, they do not want to be trained”.

Ntsukunyane said MISA-Lesotho designs several workshops for the local media but only a few attend while at the same time many who shun them continue to practice journalism in an unprofessional way.

He also said MISA-Lesotho membership is open for everyone interested but many media practitioners and journalists in the country have decided not to join.

“Sometimes we even take ordinary people for workshops, as journalists refuse to attend,” Ntsukunyane said.

“We already know some media houses will never attend anything about MISA,” he said.

He said many journalists who have shortfalls hate MISA-Lesotho organized workshops.

“It is because they think we will change their bad ways of doing things.”

Talking about the weaknesses and threats of the media industry, Ntsukunyane said the entire sector relies heavily on government for adverts, making it not strong enough to hold the government accountable.

“The people expect us to tell the truth on what the government is doing,” he said.

Ntsukunyane said the reforms that the past parliament failed to pass were to help change the situation in the media where the radio stations focus on party politics and leave out important issues like health.

He said insinuated that some leaders in the media, especially in radio stations, are attached to political parties so that they get adverts when their parties are in power.

He complained that some principal secretaries refuse when some media houses get adverts because they do not support their political parties.

“We wanted to reform the way the government advertises, we want them to form an independent advertising agency to mediate in issues such as these,” he said.

He said it will be hard for the Lesotho media houses to be independent when the government still calls the shots through placing of adverts.

He said in recognition of the crucial role that radio plays in society, “MISA-Lesotho would like to use this opportunity to emphasize the importance of supporting the growth and development of radio broadcasting in our country by the Lesotho Government”.

He said a strong and vibrant radio industry can play a critical role in promoting free and independent media, and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.

“We also call on the government to take steps to ensure that radio broadcasting remains accessible, affordable, and inclusive for all.”

Nkheli Liphoto