SECTOR 2 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: 4.1 (2005 = n/a; 2007 = n/a; 2009 = 1.7) 2.10 Government does not use its power over the placement of advertisements as a means to interfere with editorial content. The government does advertise in the private media, even if the specific media house is critical of the state. This is evidenced by the government advertising in The Post newspaper, which is well known to have the largest circulation in the country, even though it is the mainstream newspaper that is most negative about the president and the ruling party. “In Zambia, people know that if you want to reach the market, the majority, you have no choice but to go to The Post.” A recent unwritten directive forbids government institutions to buy The Post, although individual ministers are known to buy it in their personal capacity. “It is the practise of government to interfere when you want to talk negatively about them.” In terms of advertisements being placed in the state media by companies, members of the public and NGOs, among others, these adverts will be scrutinised and “if they are not critical of the government, they will be published”. “It is the practise of government to interfere when you want to talk negatively about them.” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZAMBIA 2011 37