STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA expression of interest from qualified consultants to undertake a feasibility study for the setting up of the radio station.14 According to the Press advertisement, the objective of the feasibility study was to obtain verifiable information to help on how to proceed with the setting up of a viable radio station that would enhance the company’s commercial and financial viability. The deliverables by the consultant were to include a report on overall potential of the industry – market segments, potential and gaps, a report on the profitability of existing radio stations and advice on the capital outlay required to invest in a successful radio station. The proposed establishment of a radio station was in line with the Zambia Daily Mail Limited 2016-2020 Strategic Plan. As the board of directors was not appointed, it could be assumed that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services sanctioned the company to proceed with the setting up of the radio station in spite of other challenges that the company was facing. In its quest for sustainability and diversification from the traditional business of newspaper publishing, the company was already making inroads in commercial printing. While the Zambia Daily Mail Limited showed signs of operational expansion, Lusaka-based Muvi Television Station underwent some economic challenges that forced the management to reduce staff salaries by 75 percent and to reduce working days. 15 The story in the Daily Nation did not quote any authoritative source, but stated that the decision to reduce salaries and working days to one week in a month followed a visit by some Zambia Revenue Authority officials over alleged unpaid taxes. Muvi TV staff were owed three months in salaries arrears. The proprietor of Muvi Television Station, Mr Stephen Nyirenda extended the problems at Muvi TV to a grass-root popular Komboni Radio Station where on 23 November 2017 he confiscated broadcasting equipment, transmitter and locked the entry to the station.16 The problem at Komboni Radio seemed to have arisen from Mr Nyirenda’s marital differences with his former wife, Lesa 14 ZDM advertisement Invitation for Expression of Interest for a consultant 19 November 2017 p.15 and 20 November 2017 p.17 15 DN Muvi TV financially disabled as staff salaries are slashed 22 November 2017 p.4 16 DN Nyirenda ‘silences’ Komboni Radio 24 November 2017 p.3 Zambia - News Diggers online Ugly divorce leads to closure of Komboni Radio 27 November 2017 12