to the protection of journalists and Media Freedom. She was speaking yesterday when Charge d’affairs at the Embassy of the United States in Zambia, David Young, paid a courtesy call on her….. Communiqué-17th April, 2021 (News Diggers) LUSAKA Chief Resident Magistrate Lameck Mwale found Lusaka photographer Cornelius Chellah Tukuta with a case to answer in a matter in which he is accused of defaming Information and Broadcasting Minister Dora Siliya. In this matter, it is alleged that Tukuta on May 26, 2020 in Lusaka, published defamatory matter affecting Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya in the form of a video on Facebook. Communiqué-17th April (Lusaka Times) The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) in collaboration with cooperating partners will soon start conducting capacity building programmes for all its licensees. IBA Board Chairperson, Mabel Mung’omba, says the programmes will be tailored to equip journalists with knowledge and skills in election reporting to enhance professional and ethical coverage of the August 12, 2021gerneral elections. Ms Mung’omba said as Zambia heads to the polls on August 12, 2021, the media will play a critical role in providing platforms for various political players and civil society organisations to reach out to the electorates… Communiqué-22nd April (The Mast) Mulungushi University lecturer and media rights campaigner Kamufisa Manchishi observed that the media fraternity is currently operating under oppressive laws. In his presentation during the Central Province Police media dialogue forum organized by Bloggers of Zambia at Kabwe’s Urban Bliss Hotel, Manchishi pointed out that Zambian Media houses had been operating in a very oppressing legal environment that derogates from the fundamental freedom of expression… Communiqué-29th April (News Diggers) Government has launched the National Cyber Security Policy and the National Postal Policy. Speaking during the launch, Wednesday, Transport and Communications Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya said the National Cyber Security Policy would possess sufficient capacity to identify and manage cyber security risks. “I am very pleased to launch two policies which are not only important to government but the Zambian people generally. The policies that we are launching today, the National Cyber Security Policy and the National Postal Policy are the first for the country in both sectors. Communiqué-29th April (Times of Zambia) Journalists should be well –remunerated to prevent them from falling prey to lavish politicians who attempt to brainwash them with blalizo (favours, especially monetory), thus compromising their work. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga says Government will engage media house to discuss the issue of incentivizing and motivating reporters through a minimum wage. “I’m urging employers at various media institutions to look after the journalists well. Incentives them., shield them, and insulate them from unnecessary temptations which will make them to compromise on their professional expectation. We can motivate them in various ways, but money is key. This is why I’m always talking against blalizo,” he said… 24 State of the Media in Zambia