Management Shocked After Zambian TV News Presenter Goes Off Script – Demands Pay for Himself & Colleagues During Live Broadcast – In a recent viral video, a Zambian TV news presenter made headlines by deviating from his script during a live news report, demanding not only his salary but also that of his colleagues.

The incident unfolded last weekend on KBN TV, where Kabinda Kalimina works. After delivering the latest news updates, Kalimina took an unexpected turn, addressing viewers with a plea for fair compensation. He stated, “Away from the news, ladies and gentlemen, we are human beings.

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We have to get paid. Unfortunately, on KBN we haven’t been paid. People are getting instruments on KBN…Sharon and everyone else haven’t been paid, including myself. We have to get paid.”

His bold statement, however, was short-lived as he was promptly cut off. Management at the TV station responded swiftly, accusing Kalimina of tarnishing the station’s reputation and displaying what they termed as “drunken behavior.”

Management issues statement

Kennedy Mambwe, the owner and CEO of KBN TV, released a statement indicating that they are investigating how Kalimina managed to go on air and promised disciplinary action against anyone involved in facilitating his on-air protest. The incident has sparked discussions on fair pay and treatment of media personnel, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists in some regions regarding salary delays and workplace conditions.

The statement read;

“As KBN TV, we are appalled with the drunken behaviour exhibited through a video clip that has gone viral on social media and staged by one of our part-time presenters during what should have been the main news bulletin last night. As a young television station, we work with a very highly talented and professional team, with a noble character and we owe the success of unbroken broadcasting for the last two years to such gallant men and women. Members of the public may wish to know that KBN TV like any other institution, has very well-established grievance procedures for all members of staff through which they can channel their complaints.

“Therefore, last night’s behaviour by Kabinda Kalimina is out of character and does not represent who we are as a station. We strongly condemn that despicable behaviour and urge members of the public to treat that ‘One-Night stunt of Fame’ with the contempt it deserves.

As management, we are carrying out investigations to determine how a drunken part-time presenter found himself on air unabated and disciplinary action will be taken against anyone who may have been party to the scheme.”

Watch the video here:

-Afrogazette-