State of the media report Q1-2021 3.0. TRENDS 3.1. SOCIO-POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT The social-political environment in the quarter under review was uneventful to a greater extent, save a few notable occurrences that had the potential to undermine freedom of expression and media freedom. For example, political attacks against media houses were noted in the quarter, similar to cases recorded in some of the quarters of the previous year, mainly involving political party cadres. In the quarter under review, three of such cases were recorded; on 9th February, ruling Patriotic Front cadres attempted to disrupt a paid-for programme on Liberty Radio in Mporokoso which featured Opposition Democratic Party President, Harry Kalaba, with a fracas ensuing between DP supporters and the PF cadres on station grounds, Police responded and quelled the situation1. Democratic Party (DP) President Harry Kalaba at Liberty Radio Station Picture Courtesy of The Mast Newspaper. 1 As reported by The Mast Newspaper and also followed up through the MISA Early Warning System. See https://www.themastonline.com/2021/02/12/fpi-condemns-pf-attack-on-liberty-radio/ 10