has resulted into many political parties using the media especially radio stations to reach out to the electorate. My appeal is that the media should always ensure that such platforms are not used to disseminate hate messages or speech but convey correct and positive information to the public, devoid of mudslinging and character assassination. It is against media law and ethics to allow content to run on the radio or television station which you know is malicious and scandalous allegations or indeed unsubstantiated information about one opponent with the aim of damaging their reputation. Such efforts must be commended and go to add to trainings and consultative meetings held in the previous quarter by the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) and MISA aimed at developing standard operating practices for the media in order to ensure safety and security. Other interventions during the quarter include a call made by President Edgar Lungu to end violence against journalists during commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on 3rd May under the theme “information as a public good”. President Lungu said intimidation and violent attacks against journalists should come to a stop as the media is a key component of the state and that once an individual engages in violent activities towards journalists, it becomes an act of criminality that should be prosecuted regardless of one’s political affiliation3. The call by President Lungu is significant in that media products (such as news) aim to serve the public interest and are therefore a public good that should be safeguarded at all costs, including enhancing the ability and latitude of media practitioners to carry out their work. This is also significant in that press freedom is enshrined in Article 20 (2) of the Constitution albeit implicitly4. Pictures courtesy of Jean Mandela 3 See https://www.lusakatimes.com/2021/05/03/intimidation-and-violent-attacks-towards-journalists-should-come-toa-stop-president-lungu/ 4 Article 20 (2) reads: “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution no law shall make any provision that derogates from freedom of the press”. 4 State of the Media in Zambia