of the Act and could thus not indicate whether the Act had affected their work during the period under review. 5.0. Selected Trend Highlights 5.1. The Socio-political environment socio-political environment was relatively calm with no major developments save a few events of interest that could potentially affect the media’s operating environment. For example, in May, MISA Zambia issued a reprimand against Kasempa Town Council Chairperson for alleged interference in the operations of Kasempa FM Radio, including intimidation of staff at the media outlet. MISA Chairperson, Fr. Dr. Barnabas Simatende issued the following: MISA Zambia condemns in the strongest terms the continued harassment, interference and intimidation being exerted at Kasempa Radio Station by the Council Chairperson, Mr Brian Kakonkanya. Such acts are worrying and disturbing especially that they come days after the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day which was graced by the Head of State. Mr Kakonkanya’s acts are not only an infringement to media freedom but also a cancer to the right to freedom of information and expression. Mr kakonkanya has no power to decide what programme Kasempa Radio Station should air and who should feature on the programme. We wish to remind the Council Chairperson that he has no authority to control broadcast media in Kasempa because it is a preserve of the Independent Broadcasting Authority – IBA. MISA Zambia is disappointed that despite the positive efforts and commitment from President Hakainde Hichilema towards media freedom and freedom of expression, there are still people within the system that are trying to frustrate the efforts of the President. We would therefore, like to urge, the President to discipline such public officials and ensure that democratic tenets of media freedom and freedom of expression are respected by all well-meaning Zambians. We are concerned that on a couple of times, Kasempa Town Council Chairperson has issued threats of intimidation and harassment on Kasempa radio station and has further gone on to threaten 28