7.0 Conclusion The review of the quarter has shown that the state of the media operating environment deteriorated to perhaps an all-time low. This is as seen from government’s heavy handedness, despite showing the willingness to liberate the media, making reluctant steps in coming up with legislation in line with the policy pronouncements that have continued to come from various quarters within the ruling party ranks and government. What is evident though, is that the hope for a freer media in Zambia is ever getting farfetched going by the recent events recorded in the second quarter. The continued consolidation of press freedom and freedom of expression in Zambia suffered further setbacks in the quarter under review as demonstrated in the analysis presented and as several stakeholders observed. State interference, which was a trend in decline has also seen a significant spike. Political interference, sheer police and political cadres’ brutality against journalists have been at their worst in the quarter. Legal suits have equally not spared the media fraternity. The failure of the referendum has also meant the ATI remains even more remote now than ever as a pipedream. This does not bode well for the present and future of the media in Zambia. Another factor of concern to the media fraternity is the high level of attacks on media and violations that were recorded during the quarter. Physical attacks and threats against journalists in the field gathering news is an issue that has continued to nudge many media practitioners. Stakeholders including political parties, the police and members of the general public have been constantly urged to afford a safe operating environment for the journalists to fulfil the information needs of society. It is a call that we continue to remind everyone to observe as we all agree that we need the information mostly provided by these journalists. Their safety and protection ensures that they provide timely and quality information to society to inform their choices and decisions. The high number of litigations initiated against media outlets and individual journalists is another worrying trend and not healthy for the growth of media in the country. These high levels of litigation also point to a deficit in media reforms; a situation that has continued to be a thorn in the media for long. Certain laws and other regulations continue to plague and hamper the smooth operations of the media. It is hoped that certain of such laws will be repealed and /or amended where necessary to move with the times. This is because most of these pieces of law used against the media are draconian and some have outlasted their original purpose. 27