SPEAKER of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini says the limited platforms available for the public to access Parliament TV has posed a challenge in ensuring that proceedings of the House are broadcast to many people.

Speaking when he launched Parliament TV on DStv and GOtv, Dr Matibini said the inclusion of the channel on the two platforms was a great milestone in the country’s democratic landscape and in bridging the gap between the business of the National Assembly and its citizens.

“You will agree with me that this is a great milestone in the Zambian democratic landscape and in bridging the gap between Parliament and the citizens. This is a positive step towards the actualisation of the vision of the National Assembly of Zambia: ‘to be a model Legislature for Democracy and Good Governance’. Parliament TV was launched on 21st February, 2018, with the aim of being a tool for outreach and sensitization programmes. Since its launch, Parliament TV has been striving to entrench the democratic principles of parliamentary oversight of the executive and increasing public participation in the parliamentary democracy. The station also informs and educates the public on the operations, functions and activities of the Zambian Parliament,” Dr Matibini said.

He said the limited platforms available for the public to access Parliament TV had posed as a challenge for citizens to access the business of the House.

“The introduction of Parliament TV has no doubt increased the visibility of the National Assembly and contributed towards enhancing the public’s understanding of the work and operations of the National Assembly. However, the limited platforms available for the public to access Parliament TV has posed a challenge in ensuring that as many people as possible can watch Parliament TV. The coming on board of MultiChoice Group Limited, to partner with the National Assembly to broadcast Parliament TV on DStv and GOtv platforms, has come at the right time when the demand to access the station continues to increase. This positive development will supplement the available platforms on which Parliament TV can be accessed. The current available platforms are Channel 5 on the Topstar platform and the online streaming on Parliament Facebook page,” said Dr Matibini.

“I, therefore, wish to urge you to seize this opportunity and take advantage of the additional platforms provided by DStv and GOtv to follow Parliamentary debates in the House and Committee meetings. It is now my pleasure and honour to officially launch the Parliament TV Channel on DStv and GOtv platforms.”