STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA On the technological front, both quarters were relatively stable. Among the progressive trends were the completion of the ZNBC broadcast studio in Kabwe, which is part of the government’s strategy under the digital migration policy to enhance information dissemination. Also, roll-out of new technology was noted with Airtel Zambia’s introduction of Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) through the Airtel TV Application, with numerous news and other channels that will contribute to increasing access to information through modern technology. Additionally, innovation was noted among media institutions which were limited by the COVID-19 preventive measures. As such, use of virtual hosting technology for interviews and information gathering was noted and this helped to enhance the work of the media. Warnings and threats were noted by government officials and regulatory institutions such as the IBA concerning the use of social media both for citizens and the media. This continued to pose a possible hindrance of the enjoyment of freedom of expression online, especially in the wake of detention of citizens on insult law charges. This was also against the backdrop of a suspected internet shut down in Southern province at the height of civil unrest arising from suspected ritual killings and gassing incidents. 3.0. Findings 3.1. Socio-political and legal environment The socio-political and legal environment under the state of the media takes into account social and political issues, incidents and occurrences that could potentially affect the functions of the media and enjoyment of freedom of the press. For both the first and second quarters, two main issues of note are the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease which first broke out in Wuhan City in Hubei Province, China in December 20191. In Zambia, the first cases were only recorded in March, 2020. The progression of the pandemic 1 https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200423-sitrep-94-covid-19.pdf pg. 9