State of the media report Q1-2021 4.0. CONCLUSION The review in this report has shown that there has not been any improvement in the key thematic areas in the first quarter of 2021 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2020. In this regard, the effect of the occurrences highlighted under key thematic areas cannot be overemphasised. The socio-political environment was marred by the continued attacks against media houses by political party cadres with damage to property recorded in some of the cases. This created an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship which could likely affect the media’s ability to fulfil its normative functions. On the other hand, the legal environment recorded the enactment of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act which poses a danger to the enjoyment of freedom of expression and access to information given its arbitrary provisions. As with the previous quarter, the economic environment did not record any significant improvements, with a bleak economic outlook throughout the quarter under review. This situation undermined the media’s economic independence, a critical aspect of press freedom. The technological environment, however, recorded some positive forecasts as indicated in the ZICTA annual market report which recorded increased mobile telephone subscriptions and internet penetration, both aspects which media houses could benefit from. Further, the unprecedented interventions by the Zambia Police Services to improve media and journalists’ safety was yet another positive development. The icing on the matter of safety of journalists was the policy directive by the Zambian President who denounced violence against the media while Ministry of Information led a protest to the Zambia Police demanding action against cadres perpetuating violence against the media and journalists. 5.0. i. RECOMMENDATIONS Safety and security of journalists and media houses There is need to ensure journalists are protected from attacks and harassment by political party cadres. There must be development of a strategy by Police and media houses to curb the vice of harassment. The Electoral Commission of Zambia must also enforce the electoral code of conduct against erring political parties that attack media houses in order to ensure a free and fair election in which citizens have access to varied viewpoints. ii. Safeguarding the sustainability of media enterprises Given the negative economic trends observed in the quarter, it is critical that a stimulus package is introduced and other empowerment schemes also take into cognisant the needs 31