Three Zambian journalists have launched The Watchdog, the first breaking news Web site in the country, despite the lack of important tools and funding, the European Journalism Centre (EJC) reported. The site is geared toward residents and expats alike and strives to have 24-hour news coverage, a “rare objective in Zambia.”

“Newspapers in Zambia are expensive and distribution sometimes is poor, so people may get the news late, but those who are connected to the Internet can access the Watchdog free and get news fast,” said Editor Lloyd Hamaambo.

Since the Internet connection may falter from time to time, the reporters have used the facilities at the Media Institute of Southern Africa on numerous occasions, according to the EJC.

A print edition of The Watchdog, focusing on investigative journalism, is to be published and repetition of stories may occur “in rare circumstances,” according to Hammambo. In addition, the site's founders expect to team up with local radio stations in order to diffuse news content from The Watchdog, reaching Zambians who may not have Internet access.

There are also plans for a venture with mobile network operators that will permit breaking news stories to reach the country's mobile phone users, the EJC reported.