stifle investigative journalism, whistleblowing laws and the watchdog role of the media. On the socio-political front, there was no recorded incidents of violence against journalists, a stark comparison to previous quarters in which several attacks (sometimes grievous) were noted. During the period under review, there was an instance of interference at Kasempa FM Radio by a civic leader, a case of concern given the potential to instil self-censorship. Notable, also, was the political will and commitment towards media freedom show by the Head of State, President Hakainde Hichilema when he officiated at the National media Indaba held along side the World Press Freedom Day Commemoration. The President echoed various commitments that will send positive message to media practitioners, regulators, law enforcement and other stakeholders in a bid to enhance the media’s operating environment. Finally, on the economic front, a positive picture was noted in terms of the key economic variables during the period under review. However, these gains have not tricked down to the media sector which continues to grapple with the impact of the 2020-2021 COVID pandemic era and fluctuation of fuel prices among other factors. As such, the bleak outlook for the media continues to threaten their operations and could possibly affect their independence. Overall, the State of the Media in the period under review did not post significant developments (save the political and economic fronts) when compared to the trends in the fourth quarter, 2021 State of the Media. However, respondents and the desk review point to an improved media operating environment save for oppressive legal regime and delays in enactment of good laws such as the Access to Information (ATI) Bill and amendment of laws like the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2021. 36