noted in the observations by journalists as well as focused group discussions further identifying a marked improvement in the political environment for journalists. One discussant stated that: The operating environment for the media has really improved. We are coming from a very hostile environment. I was privileged or unfortunate to witness a situation where we covered a political leader [name withheld] and as we interviewed him, muscular cadres attacked us. That was the first time I encountered the hostility of cadres. This year, however, the pronouncements from the Head of State that he wants the media to be liberated and free violence by cadres has helped to do away with cadres who used to harass us journalists and now we operate in an open environment and the fear we had is no longer there. If one is to be afraid then it is self-censorship not the fear of being reprimanded by the government or cadres Another discussant, also stated: Politically, things have been okay, the government has provided a platform and we have seen that people are no longer harassed the way it was in the previous regime. Going forward, what we want to see is that we move in tandem with these other officers, the police and military personnel; we need to move together so that they can understand our work and we also understand their work. Most times, they feel like they are more superior to the journalists. Especially when there is a programme where you have to cover the Head of State, they will feel like they are the owners of the President but meanwhile, people just want to get views and to watch what journalists are going to report on Notable during the period under review was the National Media Indaba held as part of the 2022 World Press Freedom Day commemoration and graced by the Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema. The President made various positive pronouncements including the need for professionalism among journalists and stronger provincial press clubs25. The President also categorically condemned violence against journalists and media outlets, announcing his administration’s zero tolerance for the vice and further promising to ensure it is rooted out. The opportunity allowed various journalists and media stakeholders to interact with the President, a show of political will towards the struggle for media reforms. 25 See full story at https://www.znbc.co.zm/news/hh-challenges-media-to-be-professional/ 30