STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA Mr Kasolo said radio stations should be responsible because they had power to inform, transform lives and contribute to fostering peace, unity and development while enhancing freedom of expression for Zambia’s thriving democracy. He said the Government would continue creating an enabling environment for the continued growth and contribution of radio to national development by allowing more radio stations to be established by local communities in every part of the country. Of note here is that the media’s mandate is to report truthfully regardless of who or what is being reported on. Therefore, Mr. Kasolo’s plea may not apply. 6.0 Other Developments It was refreshing to note that during the quarter under review, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting services had pledged to support the media in their effort to creating an informed society. On the 29th of October, 2019, Lusaka Times Online Newspaper publication reported that Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dora Siliya says Government will do everything possible to support the media in their effort to create an informed society. Ms Siliya was quoted saying Government remains resolved and committed to ensuring that the aspirations and needs of the people are effectively met. This she stated could only be achieved with the support of the media. This was a powerful statement made in support of the role that media plays in the development agenda of the country. 7.0 Conclusion There is an urgent need to get the Access to Information Bill tabled in parliament and its enactment accelerated. The current status quo is not healthy as there is no law compelling public office bearers to release information to the media and the public at large. It is argued that the increase in the usage of self-publishing platforms like social media has culminated into an increase in publishing of information that is usually laden with rumours and hearsay and by the time public office bearers come to clear the air, information released via social media and other self-publishing platforms is inconsistent with the information already in the public domain. The solution to sorting the 34