SECTOR 1

editor, printer or publisher of such newspaper, and the description of the
premises where the same is to be published. Every alteration in such particulars shall forthwith be registered in like manner.7
Section 4 (1) of the Printed Publications Act requires a copy of each book,
including newspapers, to be delivered to the director of the National Archives.
Publications not intended for public sale or dissemination are not required to
follow these requirements.
Despite these key requirements as outlined in the Printed Publications Act, in
practice, these requirements appear to be less stringent.
While it is easy to register, or start a newspaper or magazine in Zambia, and
many newspapers have come and gone, when such papers are critical of the
government or established by individuals perceived to be enemies or critics of the
State, obstacles are put in their way. These obstacles range from lack of ease of
registration to instructions made to stop government ministries and departments
from advertising in these newspapers. Under the MMD, the government issued
instructions to its departments to not advertise in The Post newspaper. In 2012,
the late President Michael Sata issued instructions that government departments
should not advertise in the Daily Nation, as it was perceived hostile to the PF and
the government.

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country meets only a few aspects of indicator

3

Country meets some aspects of indicator

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator

Average score:

7

20

3.8 (2013:4.8; 2011:4.8; 2009:4.2;
2007:n/a; 2005:n/a)

Printed Publications Act, Chapter 161 of the Laws of Zambia

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZAMBIA 2017

Select target paragraph3