Based on the numerous violations witnessed between quarter 1, 2020 and quarter 1, 2021 (over fifteen), it is elating that such incidents reduced significantly in the quarter under review and it is hoped that the trend will continue, with major stakeholders such as the Zambia Police safeguarding media practitioners. Notable in the quarter also was the commencement of various electoral activities leading to the August 12th general elections. Notable among these activities was the commencement of campaigns on 12th May5. The commencement of campaigns was also significant in view of the COVID-19 guidelines, with contestants encouraged to use safer means of communicating to the electorate, such as through media outlets. Most of the respondents interviewed and surveyed described the campaign and electoral atmosphere during the quarter under review as fair, with media houses able to carry out their functions. Some respondents, however, noted implicit self-censorship in a bid to avoid being classified under a particular political grouping. For example, one of the respondents, a media practitioner stated that: This year’s campaigns have not been very active. This might be the reason we have not seen so much interference or disturbance. So far so good. I just sense some element of fear in our management as they keep reminding us on the need to avoid trouble. Another respondent stated that: The election campaigns have been hectic because in one way or the other they will try and affiliate you to a particular party based on your report or works when you are just doing your job Another respondent, also a journalist, revealed: Our media outlet was able to cover almost all participating political parties. We managed to engage different political players to explain their manifestos to the would-be voters although we didn’t receive a fair share of political adverts. News media are expected to fulfil certain quintessential functions during election campaigns, particularly in a representative democracy6. Firstly, the media are expected to contribute to pluralistic competition by acting as a civic forum for debate. This entails the media providing extensive coverage of news about politics and government as well as providing a platform (equal and proportional) for a wide plurality of political parties, groups and actors. Secondly, the media are expected to promote conditions for public participation acting as mobilising agents and in so doing encouraging political learning, interest and participation. The media, in this regard, should stimulate general interest in public affairs as well as encourage citizens to learn about public affairs and political life. The media should also facilitate and encourage civic engagement with the political (or electoral) process. It is, therefore, critical for the media to perform their duties professionally while a conducive environment must be created by the electoral management body, ECZ as empowered by the Electoral Process Act. 5 According to a roadmap released by the Electoral Commission of Zambia on 30th April. Other processes expected during the quarter under review were compilation of the final register of voters, accreditation of monitors and nominations for all electable positions. 6 According to Norris, P. (2000). A virtuous circle: political communications in post-industrial societies. New York Cambridge Unviersity Press. State of the Media in Zambia 5