This archive report was first published on 26 June 2021.
On June 26, 2021, a dramatic moment unfolded on KBN TV News in Zambia when presenter Kabinda Kalimina interrupted a live news broadcast to express his frustration over unpaid wages.
As he read out the top news stories, Mr. Kalimina took a deep breath and began by stating, 'Aside from news ladies and gentlemen. We are human beings. We have to get paid.'
He then added, 'We haven't been paid,' referencing himself and other colleagues working for KBN TV.
After making his statement on air, the live feed was cut to the opening montage for the news channel.
KBN TV CEO Kennedy K Mambwe released a statement on the channel's Facebook page, accusing Mr. Kalimina of being 'drunk' and staging the interruption.
Mr. Mambwe praised the work of the TV channel's 'very highly talented and professional team' but condemned Mr. Kalimina's actions as 'despicable' and 'out of character.'
He stated that investigations are being carried out to determine how the incident occurred and disciplinary action will be taken against anyone who may have been party to the scheme.
Mr. Kalimina defended his actions on Facebook, stating, 'Yes I did that on live TV, just because most journalists are scared to speak out doesn't mean journalists shouldn't speak out.'
