STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA platforms have for the enhancement of information dissemination. This is important especially given the knowledge economy in which the world is. It is critical that all stakeholders prepare the nation to join the information super highway as opposed to delinking from it through application of draconian legislation and constant threats. Going forward, media bodies should continue to engage government and other stakeholders, such as the Independent Broadcasting Authority, Electoral Commission of Zambia, Zambia Police and many others to ensure certain measures are put in place for the improvement of the State of the Media in the country. 5.0. Recommendations i. Review of laws inimical to freedom of expression There is need for review of laws that continue to hinder the enjoyment of freedom of expression and other civil liberties as guaranteed by the Constitution. Some of these laws include the law on defamation of the President. Such laws continue to hinder the work of journalists and citizens alike particularly on online spaces. ii. Enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct. Stakeholders, including the ECZ must ensure provisions of the Code are enforced with specific consideration of journalists who bear the brunt of electoral violence and attacks. This is critical because the country will soon commence activities of the electoral cycle such as voter registration and delimitation. Given the patterns observed in the first two quarters of 2020, it is important that enforcement of the Code is upped during the forthcoming elections and dialogue meetings arranged to educate electoral players on the need to safeguard media freedom. iii. Need for professionalism and adherence to media ethics There is need for the media (both public and private) to adhere to professional codes of journalism and basic tenets such as objectivity, balance, fairness and the public interest. These tenets are critical if pg. 46