STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA attacks and undermining of media freedom. Given the trends recorded in past State of the Media Reports, it is almost certain that such occurrences will increase as the country heads to the polls and it is no wonder the country records poor ratings from reputable institutions such as Freedom House in their annual reports. Some of the positive developments, such as the judgment handed down to a perpetrator of political violence in Lundazi will help to set the tone for similar occurrences in future. It is important for other institutions, law enforcement agencies, civil society and government alike to ensure that such incidents of harassment receive the condemnation they deserve and are brought to a logical conclusion without fear, favour or bias. The economic front with regard to the operations of the media is also another issue of major concern. This is because it has a direct bearing on the financial sustainability of media houses and the effective performance of their duties. The massive economic shocks suffered by the country’s economy, given the indications by institutions like the Bank of Zambia, will have dire effects including negative economic growth. There is need for the media to brace for the impact of this negative projection. The status of expected Bills such as the Access to Information Bill remained unclear throughout the quarter under review. This is not new, considering that the Bill has been in the offing since 2002, with successive governments making promises to ensure enactment during their terms of office. It is therefore, not surprising that the Bill, despite promises and seemingly progressive moves in the previous quarter remained an inert issue. Further, anxiety continued around the Media regulation (ZAMEC) Bill which is expected to introduce “statutory self-regulation”. It is hoped that such regulation will help to improve the already murky situation as opposed to further stifling the press. On the technology and freedom of expression online front, several opportunities were clearly noted during the two quarters. What remains is for key stakeholders and media regulators is to realise the potential online pg. 45