SECTOR 2

2.2 Citizens’ access to domestic and international media sources is not restricted by state authorities
“State authorities are more worried about local media than international media
sources”, as local media is more influential among the Zambian populace, and
“international media is not too concerned about local news.”
The state has not attempted to prohibit or restrict access to international news
sources. News from international sources is more “world-focused”, and few
Zambians are concerned with international news. Further, the cost of foreign
publications is highly prohibitive. TIME Magazine, for example, is K50.
There have been complaints by the public about accessing media. For example,
University of Zambia (UNZA) Radio has experienced a reduction of its transmission
radius on occasion. In one instance, “transmission power was changed twice
in a day, from 1000KW to 250 KW and up to 500 KW again.” It appears that
these changes take place when the station airs content that may be considered
contentious. The station has received threats from government over its news
content, but was able to mitigate these threats because of the academic
environment in which it operates, where students could protest any action.

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:

3.8
(2011:4.8; 2009:4.0; 2007:4.2; 2005:3.6)

2.3 The editorial independence of print media published by a public authority is protected adequately
against undue political interference.
The editorial independence of the public print media varies, depending on
what is happening politically in the country. Compared to the time around the
2011 elections, panellists noted that things the situation is comparatively better,
although attempts to influence editorial policy continue. Following the change

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AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZAMBIA 2013

Select target paragraph3