SECTOR 1 “There is a general trend in Zambia to sign lots of protocols, but there seems to be no political will to follow through.” Attempts were made in the recent draft Constitutions for all protocols signed by the government to be made law automatically. In general, ordinary Zambians are not aware that the government has signed such protocols and declarations, or what they contain. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 1.8 (2005 = n/a; 2007 = n/a; 2009 = 1.4) 1.5 Print publications are not required to obtain permission to publish from state authorities. According to the Print Publications Act of 1994, it is a formality, rather than a restrictive measure, for owners of publications to register with the National Archives, deposit copies of the publication with the National Archives and following standard procedures governing business regulations. Thus, print publications do not require permission to publish from the state. There have been no cases of new publications being denied permission by the government to publish, except once they are already in existence and have been banned, for example. Provisions in the Penal Code enable the president to ban publications deemed contrary to public interest. “Most people know that what prohibits the setting up of a newspaper is rather the costs involved.” 16 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZAMBIA 2011