As such, during the quarter under review, issues of media coverage remained topical, with MISA
launching the Electoral Content Report (May-June, 2021) which assessed the balance of coverage
and editorial quality of content, share of election related content by political party as well as
impartiality and accuracy of the election content covered. The analysis also undertook to establish
the nature, key themes and gender representation of coverage of election related content. The
study monitored a total of 930 stories from over sixteen (16) media outlets representing major
print, electronic and online media outlets in Zambia.

Among the notable findings of the study is that the voices of ordinary persons, including women,
youths and persons living with disabilities were minimal across all media platforms monitored.
Further, the majority of electoral stories were single sourced (with only one point of view) while
of all the content monitored, only one in three stories was balanced for radio, television and print,
with only one in ten stories balanced for online media outlets.
The findings of the study echo the need for improved coverage by the media even in the private
sector, even though the report shows the extent of the problem is not as severe as that observed in
some of the public media. It is important for media to adhere to ethics of truth, balance, objectivity
and fairness as basic standards of professionalism in the media, particularly in the build up to
the August elections. It is no wonder then, that in the quarter under review, the Independent
Broadcasting Authority censured Muvi Television, a private broadcaster for failure to preserve
human dignity following a controversial interview broadcast by the Station7.
In the same vein, one issue worth noting in the quarter under review is the call for fair, equal
coverage by public media, particularly the public broadcaster, ZNBC. This was an issue raised by
various stakeholders, among them MISA and some interview respondents. Similarly, on 11th June,
7
IBA Director-General, Josephine Mapoma issued a statement on 30th April, cautioning Muvi TV and all broadcasting
stations against airing material which may cause humiliation, distress and violate human dignity. She further warned all
broadcasters to exercise professionalism in order to avoid contravening the law ahead of this year’s general elections. This
was after Muvi TV broadcast an interview programme featuring a controversial, unconventional and seemingly disoriented
leader of the ‘Poor People’s Party’, raising public concern.

6

State of the Media in Zambia

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