STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA Further, government appeals to the conscious of radio and television stations to try as much as possible to promote unity in the nation by focusing on programming that will galvanize support towards the fight against COVID-1932. This is a commendable move by government which must be encouraged if the many violations against the media fraternity are to be nipped in the bud. Such pronouncements must be further accompanied by tangible action and reprimand of government officers found wanting in such circumstances. It is also important for law enforcement agencies to professionally perform their duties in ensuring perpetrators of such heinous crimes are brought to book, regardless of their political affiliation. Amicable, democratic avenues must be sought in the presentation of grievances against a media house. This is actually provided for under the IBA Act No. 17 of 2002 (as amended by Act 26 of 2010), where an aggrieved person is at liberty to present a complaint to a media house which is mandated to act within the stipulated period. Such consideration was noted in an incident in May, in which Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Dora Siliya wrote to Diggers Newspaper expressing concern over the use of the word “stupid” in one of the newspaper’s editorials, a move which accorded cordial exchange of correspondence and views between the two parties. It is gratifying to note also, that positive developments were recorded regarding a violation in which a Breeze Fm Journalist, Grace Lungu was assaulted during the Mkomba ward local government by election in 2019 by a Patriotic Front cadre, Frank Mwale. On 6th April, 2020, the Lundazi Magistrate Court found Mwale guilty of assault and theft and sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment on the count of assault and two years suspended sentence on the charge of theft of K400 belonging to Ms Lungu33. It is important, therefore, for media associations and individuals alike to ensure that such violations reach their logical conclusion in the courts of law to deter 32 Available on the Ministry of Information Facebook page as posted on 17 th May, 2020. See https://www.facebook.com/1410650242577418/posts/statement-by-hon-dora-siliya-mp-minister-ofinformation-and-broadcasting-service/2284492028526564/ 33 As monitored by MISA Zambia officers who attended the hearing in the Lundazi Magistrate court. pg. 32