STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA It is important that stakeholders, media associations and government take the plight of the media into consideration during such times. This could be done by classifying media as front-line workers, which could enable them to receive certain critical supplies such as personal protective equipment as well as other resources to help in their day-to-day operations. This is important in that media play a critical role during such times by facilitating dissemination of information to the general public. On a positive note, the Ministry of Health provided timely, adequate information through daily press briefings that allowed journalists to gather all the information needed for their stories. Such a move helped to fulfil the surveillance function of the media which is critical in times of public disasters and health crises3. Under such a function, media are expected to create awareness by providing information on what is happening and of ways in which the disaster can be faced. Related to the Coronavirus outbreak are also legal-political effects and this was exemplified in what is perhaps the most debilitating event that stretched across both quarters: the breakdown of relations between Prime TV and government. This arose from a speech delivered by Prime TV proprietor, Gerald Shawa at a meeting between the Ministry of Information and media owners. Mr Shawa, who spoke on behalf of the media owners admonished Information Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga in response to his request for media houses to air public service messages on pro bono basis. Mr. Shawa said Government should first settle outstanding dues owed to the media institutions before it could engage them in providing free airspace for sensitizing people on the coronavirus. This did not sit well with government and led to a break down in relations between government and Prime TV, eventually leading to government breaking off all and any dealings with the TV station. Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Dora Siliya stated as follows: 3 McQuail (1992) pg. 11