MINISTRY of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana says government is committed to creating an environment where the media can thrive without being intimidated or infringed on.

Speaking during the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) Media Impact Awards, Mr Kawana challenged journalists to focus on writing life changing stories that highlight and impact on the country’s economic progress.

ZANIS reports that Mr Kawana also challenged trainers in the media and communications profession to train quality journalists whose work speaks for itself, as they go about their professional work.

And Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission Board Chairperson, Jason Kazilimani said that awarding journalists is nurturing an ecosystem of story telling journalists who are highlighting development in the country.

Meanwhile, Adjudicating Panel Chairperson, Brenda Bukowa says that there is need for CEEC to invest in training journalists in order to ensure effective coverage of its empowerment programmes across the country.

She added that the University of Zambia is ready to partner with CEEC in training journalists in order to actualize this cause.