Harare — Local media should put national interest ahead of any other interest and practice appropriate and ethical journalism that underscores the country's goal of national unity and reconciliation, Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster has said.

Newsnet quoted Minister Shamu yesterday as saying both the public and private media played a crucial role in shaping the country's destiny, hence the need for it to be responsible in supporting the inclusive Government.

Minister Shamu was addressing senior media practitioners from various media houses in the country at a meeting in Harare.

He underscored the need for the media to defend the good that the country had as opposed to focusing on negative developments only.

The meeting was attended by editors from Zimpapers, ZBC, the Zimbabwe Independent, The Standard, the Financial Gazette, Reuters News Agency, Agence French Presse, New Ziana, The Worker, The Voice and Freelance organisations.

The editors who attended the meeting underscored the need for the local media to publish balanced stories.