Assessment of the perceptions of Lusaka youths on media coverage of HIV and AIDS issues affecting them: A case study of the Zambia National Broadcasting corporation (ZNBC)
This study assesses the perceptions of Lusaka youths on media coverage of HIV and AIDS issues affecting them and focuses on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC). The aim of the study was to assess the perceptions of Lusaka youths on various HIV and AIDS youth programmes disseminated by ZNBC. The study addressed critical questions such as: Are the Lusaka youths satisfied with the amount of HIV and AIDS information disseminated by ZNBC? Are HIV and AIDS messages disseminated by ZNBC appropriate?Data were obtained from youths around Lusaka, ZNBC members of staff, Youth Workers and relevant documents on various HIV and AIDS issues. Research tools used to collect data were in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions.The study revealed that ZNBC was not adequately covering HIV and AIDS issues affecting the youth. A number of factors were identified as being reasons for this state of affairs. These included lack of funds and equipment such as cameras and editing machines.In order to increase HIV and AIDS youth programmes on ZNBC radio and television, respondents called for more funding to enable the national broadcaster acquire equipment, transport and employ more staff. In addition, the respondents urged the ZNBC management to review its editorial policy and give priority to HIV and AIDS youth programmes. In view of these findings, the study recommends the following:Government which owns ZNBC should as a matter of urgency increase funding to the station. Secondly, ZNBC management should employ more staff in critical areas such as the News and Current Affairs, Television and Radio sections.In addition, ZNBC should come up with measures to encourage its Reporters and Producers to cover HIV and AIDS extensively. Finally, ZNBC should increase the use of local languages when disseminating HIV and AIDS information to the youth.To my dear wife, Suwilanji, my Children, Makungo and Chensha.
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