Melu commends Daily Mail’s balanced reporting

September 23, 2012 | Filed under: Local News | Posted by: web editor

ZAMBIA Daily Mail board chairperson Mizinga Melu (centre) talking to members of staff at the Ndola regional office where she was on a familiarisation tour yesterday. Right is Managing Director Isaac Chipampe and left is Director Human Resources Lutato Nyendwa. - Picture by AGGREY BANDA

By MONICA KAYOMBO and ALEX NJOVU
ZAMBIA Daily Mail Board chairperson Mizinga Melu has commended the newspaper’s editorial team for balancing its reporting and having a wide range of community and regional news.
Ms Melu said this when she addressed Daily Mail staff at the Ndola office during an orientation tour yesterday.
“I have seen a lot of improvement in the way you are reporting. This is not because I am the Board chairperson, I am basing my comments on what the clients are saying about you,’’ Ms Melu said.
She said the issue of the US$750 million Euro bond has also been tackled from all angles by the Daily Mail.
She said of late, Zambia Daily Mail has been publishing stories on merit and has moved from the monotonous way of always having political headlines.
She specifically pointed out the professional manner and the extensive coverage rendered in the case of Ruth Mbandu, a NIPA student who was brutally murdered two months ago.
She, however, pointed out that the newspaper can do better by putting in more efforts aimed at attracting a wider readership across the country.
And Ms Melu said improving conditions of service for staff at the newspaper is one of her major priorities during her tenure of office. Management and the Board will also remain committed to improving Zambia Daily Mail’s corporate image.
“You as employees are on number one agenda. Management is extremely committed to making a difference,’’ Ms Melu said.
She said she is excited to take up the challenging role of improving the company’s image but this can only be achieved if all stakeholders effectively play their part.
Ms Melu has, therefore, urged Daily Mail employees to take up the challenge by becoming more efficient towards improving and accomplishing the company’s vision and financial base.
She said good conditions of service can only be attained when the company is liquid.
“We need to improve the newspaper distribution, the working environment and good conditions of service,’’ Ms Melu said.
She said the marketing and advertising department has a critical role in sourcing funds for the company by enticing more clients to advertise and also to increase the newspaper’s circulation.
Ms Melu also urged employees to have a personal vision even as they contribute towards achieving the Daily Mail’s vision. She said having a personal vision is very important because no-one knows what the future holds.
And addressing workers in Kitwe, Ms Melu said she was, however, concerned with the late arrival of newspapers on the Copperbelt.
And Zambia Daily Mail managing director Isaac Chipampe has assured that his team is committed to improving the company’s profile, financial base and working environment.
Mr Chipampe said the company has procured distribution vans and cars which will help to address the problem of inadequate transport.
Mr Chipampe had earlier told workers in Ndola that late newspaper delivery on the Copperbelt and other regional offices will be a thing of the past as soon as the company acquires a computer to plate machine.