STATE OF THE MEDIA REPORT QUARTER 4, 2020 iv) Political parties and related stakeholders should engage with the media for them to have adequate knowledge about their programmes v) Police should apply the law fairly Through such engagements, it hoped that strides will be made in curbing violence against journalists and media outlets alike, especially that the country goes to the polls in 2021. However, all stakeholders must be alive to the role the media play in facilitating enjoyment of certain civil and political rights as enshrined in the Bill of Rights. This should be the overriding factor and such actions as notifying the police whenever a programme is being hosted must only be for administrative purposes as police already have the duty to serve and protect all members of society-the media inclusive without bias. This is so because in certain incidents recorded in the previous quarter, police were present during some attacks but dragged their feet in dealing with perpetrators of violence against media outlets. Additionally, the IBA (in partnership with other relevant statutory bodies) must take extra steps in safeguarding the broadcast media which falls under its charge. The Authority is obligated to promote a pluralistic and diverse broadcasting industry and such attacks on media houses undermine this aim as stipulated in the Authority’s Act, among others. It is no wonder some stakeholders, such as US Embassy Charge D’Affaires raised concerns On the social front the quarter witnessed a general downward trend in the number of cases of COVID-19 as well as the easing of restrictions, which made journalistic operations much easier. This is in contrast to the previous quarter in which heightened measures were put in place as well as restrictions which affected the media with regard to news gathering, hosting of sources and rotational work schedules to meet preventive guidelines. These had both social and economic effect on the media as elucidated in the economic environment in this and previous reports. Notably though, the quarter closed with a significant spike in cases and the possible resurgence of a second wave of the Corona Virus a situation which could lead to reintroduction of restrictive measures. P a g e 16 | 56