STATE OF THE MEDIA REPORT QUARTER 3. 2020 fear of political retribution. Also of concern is the issue of political polarisation among media houses as well as the abuse of public media which are mandated to serve the wider interests of society. The economic front is by far the most chilling of all sectors given the harsh economic conditions under which the media operated. These conditions include depreciation of the Kwacha, reduced consumer spending and business activity, lack of access to capital, high cost of doing business, effects of the corona pandemic and electricity load shedding among others. This state of affairs rendered the economic independence of media houses weak. This further affects press freedom which is comprised of economic freedom and editorial independence among other factors. In terms of the technological environment, some minor improvement was noted in view of some of the gains recorded, including the use of new technology for the greater good. With regard to freedom of expression online, the situation remained dire, particularly dented by the use of legislation to arbitrarily stifle the freedom of expression of particular institutions and individuals using social platforms to express dissenting views. It is, therefore, critical that insight is drawn from the findings in line with the recommendations highlighted herein. 5.0. i. RECOMMENDATIONS Safeguarding the sustainability of media enterprises Given the negative economic trends observed in the quarter, it is critical that a stimulus package is introduced and other empowerment schemes also take into cognisant the needs of the media sector. Deliberate moves must be taken through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to develop a package of incentives (tax, non-tax, empowerment) to bail out media houses from what is expected to be a tough year economically. There must be, as a matter of urgency, creation of a specific media stimulus package just like that created for the arts industry through the National Arts Council ii. Need for professionalism and adherence to media ethics There is need for the media (both public and private) to adhere to professional codes of journalism and basic tenets such as objectivity, balance, fairness and the public 36