LUSAKA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Zambian journalists on Thursday launched an initiative aimed at promoting a free press in the country.

The Free Press Initiative Zambia is an organization formed by journalists with the objective of promoting press freedom and professionalism among media practitioners in the country.

Chanda Kasolo, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary said his ministry will ensure that it creates an environment where the media could operate without any undue influence from any sector of society, including politicians.

He however called on the media to be professional in the execution of their duties by strictly adhering to the ethical guidelines of the profession.

According to him, it was the hope of the government that the establishment of the initiative will add value to the role of other government agencies such as the Independent Broadcasting Authority in promoting professionalism in the conduct of media institutions.

The government, he said, will support the initiative so that professional media operates in a free environment devoid of intimidation and interference.

Joan Chirwa, coordinator of the initiative, said the initiative will dedicate itself to promoting strengthened journalistic standards, instilling ethical reporting, responsible journalism and standing up in defense of human rights.

She expressed concerns that the emergence of social media platforms has fueled unethical ways of reporting and urged journalists to go back to the basics of the profession.