STATE OF THE MEDIA REPORT QUARTER 3. 2020 towards this cause to ensure media freedom through a self-media regulatory framework that was developed and agreed to by the Zambian media. The move by Cabinet to approve the Bill is commendable and a step forward for the media fraternity which has been gripped with several issues among them political violence and harassment, unprofessionalism, high level of Picture courtesy of MISA Zambia political polarisation and exploitation among others. Despite the benefits expected to accrue from the proposed media regulation Bill, it is pertinent that certain considerations are taken into account going forward. Firstly, it is important that the content of the Bill is safeguarded as agreed by the various consultative meetings representing consensus among media practitioners. This is so because as has been the case with some other Bills, particular contents and provisions of a Bill can be changed prior to its presentation in Parliament. Moreover, the Bill is still amenable to various changes as it undergoes the processes of legislation in Parliament. Such changes may insert or remove particular clauses that may be inimical to media freedom. 21