STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA increase in the course of the year to include edutainment channels47. This is a positive development recorded in the first quarter as it will provide opportunities for various content producers to have access to alternative means for distribution of content other than through the single carrier under the digital migration framework. This also provides more, cost effective alternatives for the consumers, most of whom are accessing information through internet platforms48. It is therefore important to ensure that legislation is ably amended to allow for development and advancement of broadcasting and information dissemination in the media sector as opposed to legal limitations that were based on older technology and may, thus, limit innovation. Another positive development witnessed in the first quarter is the advancement of works on the construction of the ZNBC studio in Kabwe, Central Province. The studio was said to be complete and only awaiting installation of equipment which was already in the country. This was brought to light in a tour conducted on 30th January by Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Dora Siliya49. The programme to construct provincial studios was embarked on by government as a way to decentralise the operations of ZNBC and promote local content as part of the digital migration policy. It is therefore gratifying that the programme is advancing and will contribute to the upgrading of technology for enhanced information dissemination. With regard to broadcast media development, increase was noted in the number of media houses with new stations coming up during both quarters, a positive success scored by the Independent Broadcasting Authority as the institution noted that: The work of the authority has positive impact. …. increase in broadcasting houses, educating various stakeholders on the importance of broadcasting houses. The authority has also promoted ethical 47 See https://www.techtrends.co.zm/airtel-zambia-launches-airtel-tv/ See ZICTA Statistics here http://onlinesystems.zicta.zm:8585/statsfinal/ 49 As reported in the Times of Zambia of 31st January, 2020. 48 pg. 43