SECTOR 4 In order to correct this situation, journalists and media houses need to return to the basics of journalism, especially with regard to accuracy and fairness. Training institutions need to be engaged to ensure a basic level of competence of students coming out of tertiary institutions. “They should be equipped with the critical tools of analysis.” Media institutions should be encouraged to conduct an orientation for new journalists, to explain the culture of the respective institution, the professional standards and ethics to be followed. 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: 2.3 (2011:2.2; 2009:2.5; 2007:2.8; 2005:2.5) 4.2 The media follow voluntary codes of professional standards, which are enforced by independent/ nonstatutory bodies that deal with complaints from the public. There are attempts to have the media follow voluntary codes of professional standards enforced by a non-statutory body, in the shape of ZAMEC. ZAMEC now has a council, a code of conduct and a constitution, but is experiencing “teething problems”. The creation of the ZAMEC code was a highly consultative process that took a long time, and was often controversial; but consensus was finally reached. Most media houses have already subscribed to ZAMEC, which aims to serve as an alternative to the court process. “The most important thing is that we have commitment from all media.” At one point, The Post was not on board, but because it is the largest print publication, the council had to make sure that it came to the table, in order for ZAMEC to be recognised by government. “All the major media institutions have accepted. The constitution is set up in such a way that a media house is unable to withdraw just because of a case against them.” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZAMBIA 2013 59