SECTOR 3 board’ in this regard were secretly reversed. Positions were also changed under this ‘board’ but were later reversed. 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: Score of previous years: ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓✓✓✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ 1.3 2017 = 1.8 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 The law says that ZNBC is autonomous, but whether or not this is the case is debatable. “In practice, there is a lot of political influence editorially.” Generally, the accepted order of the ZNBC news bulletin will be first the president, then Vice-President, then the ministers, etc. In fact, the editorial guidelines of ZNBC speak of ministers being a priority in covering news. You will hear nothing about the opposition, just what the ruling party is doing. “The news on ZNBC should be balanced because this is taxpayer’s money.” But ZNBC also faces restraints in its reporting. If, for instance, there are only three reporters and the president and ministers are doing activities, then one has to send a camera and reporter to cover these events. Obviously, the president receives priority. Sometimes, ZNBC crews are chased away at opposition events. There was even a case where a reporter had to hide in a police station. The ZNBC are reluctant to risk personnel and equipment in this way. “The political environment is such that unfortunately ZNBC becomes demonised.” But other panellists noted an omission of context in this view. The reason ZNBC reporters were chased away was that people who were interviewed at the event were never seen on screen. “People at opposition rallies feel that they are being mocked by the presence of ZNBC.” Female members of the opposition tend to get good coverage by ZNBC, but only if invited by women’s organisations. The concerns about ZNBC also extends to religious functions, where it was felt that the essential parts of an event are not covered. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZAMBIA 2021 35