AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZAMBIA 2011 Summary One of the major hindrances to press freedom, freedom of expression and access to information in Zambia is the policy environment which is laden with various laws and acts that inevitably suppress these freedoms. The Constitution of Zambia provides for freedom of expression, including receiving, imparting and communicating information and press freedom. Notwithstanding, these remain largely only on paper since in practice there are claw back laws and other pieces of legislation like the 1931 Penal Code of Act Cap 169 of the laws of Zambia, the Official Secrets Act and the Printed Publications Act Cap 161 of the laws of Zambia, among others which prohibit free access to information, freedom of expression and media freedom. Furthermore, whilst the country is a signatory to international accords that guarantee access to information, media freedom and freedom of expression like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1981), Windhoek Declaration (1991), SADC Protocol on Culture, Information and Sport (2000), among others, there is no political will to implement and enforce these important freedoms. Instead, the government continues to tactically control the media, through maintaining past repressive laws that contravene people’s rights to information access and freedom of expression. The media environment in the country is beset with political interference and lack of political will to promote media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information. The media operates in a policy vacuum, where there are no laws that specifically promote media freedom. For instance, a Freedom of Information Bill, tabled in Parliament in 2002 was withdrawn by the government in November of that year without any reason given or any consultation with the media. The State’s lack of political will to create a diverse and conducive media landscape also manifests itself in the failure to implement pieces of legislation that create the necessary conditions for media freedom and access to information. For example, the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Act of 2002 and the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Amendment Acts of 2002 and 2010, all of which have been passed are yet to be implemented as boards are yet to be appointed. Political interference is also evident in the powers that the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services has to appoint board members for the IBA at his discretion and to issue broadcasting licences at his whims. The public’s access to information is also hindered by the Official Secrets Act of 1968 and the State Security Act of 1969, which prohibit government officials from revealing public interest information without official approval. The evident harassment of journalists has escalated, especially by those supporting the State, resulting in fear and self-censorship. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZAMBIA 2011 5