SECTOR 3 3.5 The editorial independence of the state/public broadcaster from political influence is guaranteed by law and practised to ensure balanced and fair news and current affairs programmes. Although the ZNBC Act guarantees the editorial independence of the national broadcaster, in practice, the ZNBC still struggles to be a truly public broadcaster that is free from political influence. News and current affairs programmes remain one-sided – favouring whoever is in government at the time. Despite the guarantees of editorial independence, “power being what it is, they are making sure that the master is always being listened to.” Additionally, in current affairs programmes, there appears to be a sense of fear to air a programme that may be critical of government, without the presence of a government representative to rebut any such criticism. “Last week, there was supposed to be a live radio debate between the Minister of Youth and Sport, and another commentator. But the minister didn’t pitch, so they didn’t air the programme. They just phased it out quickly, and music started to play with no explanation. However, there have been other instances where ministers speak alone.” With respect to its practice of editorial independence, the ZNBC has been criticised for having a “plantation mentality”, wherein it is being told that it is free (as per the act), but it doesn’t believe so. With regards to political content, some panellists felt that the state broadcaster lacks diversity, and that it has showcased “the same programming over time”. “Even if it claims that things have changed, since the by-elections, ZNBC has only been following the ruling party and their rallies. Opposition parties are not covered. It [ZNBC] hasn’t moved. It’s still where it started.” “Only during and after elections, can you see how bad ZNBC is.” However, given that the act provides for the appointment of the ZNBC’s nine board members by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, the true independence of the broadcaster’s news and current affairs programming remains questionable. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZAMBIA 2013 53