is self-censorship and it is inimical to the media fulfilling their function-particularly that of being a civic forum for debate 4. Secondly, attacks on broadcast media outlets affect revenue generation because damage to property and disruption of programmes which may be sponsored or contain sponsored spot advertisements has financial repercussions. Further, broadcast equipment is procured at great cost, and, therefore, replacement may be challenging for some media outlets, especially community radio stations. Picture for illustration purposes : source; Dreamstine.com It is unfortunate that the trend of attacks against media outlets (by ruling party cadres) has carried on even under the UPND regime as witnessed in the attack on Mpika FM Radio. There is, therefore, need for concerted efforts by various stakeholders who include police and media NGOs to ensure the vice is brought to a halt. There is also need for stern punishment of offenders by the courts of law to deter would be offenders. This, however, can only happen According to Norris, P. (2000). A virtuous cycle: political communications in post-industrial societies. New York: Cambridge University Press. 4 13