SECTOR 2 2.3 The editorial independence of print media published by a public authority is protected adequately against undue political interference. Print media published by a public authority does not seem to have autonomy and there are cases where media professionals were fired for publishing content that was not in line with the ruling party’s agenda. At one point, a permanent secretary who was said to have had a hand in the ‘negative’ reporting about a former minister, was dismissed for his alleged interference with what was published. There is some leeway under the current government in contrast to the situation under the former ruling party. Journalists working at public media houses may, however, tend to censor themselves because of being “appointed by the government.” Speaking at a public forum, a minister told journalists they “should not be writing like The Post.” Though this was a statement about private print media it was felt that it indirectly also served as a warning to journalists from public media houses. The same minister, when asked why there is an apparent interference with what is aired on ZNBC, said, “we can afford to tell them what to do as we own ZNBC.” 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: 1.6 (2013:1.6; 2011:1.2; 2009:1.4; 2007:1.2; 2005:1.0) AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZAMBIA 2017 33