NOCZ Hosts Second Media Awareness Workshop

On 11 June 2026, the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) held its second Media Awareness Workshop in Lusaka. The event focused on the theme, “Strengthening Media Excellence in Sports Reporting Towards Olympic and Commonwealth Games.”

Supported by Olympic Solidarity, the workshop brought together more than 20 journalists from different media outlets and national sports federations. The goal was to improve sports reporting as Zambia prepares for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.

Speaking during the workshop, NOCZ Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi said the initiative reflects the Committee’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media, recognising journalists as key partners in promoting the Olympic and Commonwealth movements in Zambia.

Some of the participants pose for a photo after the media awareness workshop.

Kambikambi noted that continuous engagement between NOCZ and the media will help improve public understanding of sports development programmes, athlete preparation, and the achievements of Team Zambia on the international stage.

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia National Director Austin Kayanda facilitated a session on investigative journalism in sports, emphasising its critical role in maintaining the integrity of sports by holding powerful institutions and individuals accountable.

Meanwhile, NOCZ Board Member and Chairperson for the Legal and Ethics Commission, Besa Chibwe, led a session on sports law and ethics in reporting, highlighting key legal and ethical considerations in sports reporting, including defamation, privacy rights, safe sport principles, and dispute resolution mechanisms, while encouraging media practitioners to adhere to established legal frameworks and journalistic standards.

Digital Media and Strategic Communications Specialist Felix Munyika facilitated a session on AI and basic sports reporting, emphasising that while artificial intelligence is transforming sports journalism globally, accuracy, verification, and human storytelling must remain at the heart of reporting.

“AI should be used as a tool to support research, transcription, and content production, but should never replace journalists’ responsibility to verify facts, provide context, and tell compelling athlete stories,” said Munyika.

NOCZ Media and Communications Officer Noah Silomba led a session on social media and web management, urging journalists to uphold core journalistic standards in their coverage of the Games by thoroughly researching athletes, verifying all facts before publication, and ensuring accuracy in reporting.

He further emphasised the importance of planning content in advance through structured calendars and maintaining close coordination with the NOCZ Media Team to support consistent and credible sports reporting.

IOC Believe in Sport Ambassador Nchimunya Mweetwa facilitated a safeguarding session where he encouraged media practitioners to protect athletes. He emphasised that responsible reporting is essential in ensuring athletes’ safety, dignity, and mental well-being are not compromised through media coverage.

In closing remarks delivered on behalf of NOCZ President Alfred Foloko, Vice President Nakaonga Kakoma emphasised the critical role of the media in promoting sport, educating the public, and telling the stories of athletes and administrators.

“The workshop was aimed at strengthening collaboration between NOCZ and the media while enhancing journalists’ understanding of the work involved in preparing athletes for major international competitions,” said Foloko.

He noted that an informed media is a strong partner in ensuring accurate, balanced, and impactful sports stories are shared with the public. He further stated that the knowledge gained would contribute to more professional sports coverage as Zambia intensifies preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.

Journalists who attended the workshop were drawn from institutions such as Times of Zambia, News Diggers, The Mast Newspaper, ZNBC, Prime TV, Joy FM, Millennium Radio, Muvi TV, The Magnet, Phoenix FM, Kwithu FM, OYDC Zambia, Daily Nation, Zambia Swimming Union, Taekwondo Federation, Zambia Golf Union, among others.

NOCZ is committed and hopes that this conversation can continue to strengthen collaboration between the Committee and the media in promoting sport and athlete development in Zambia.