STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA television. There was absolutely no need for the felicitation, for it was an expected right for the political leader to be interviewed and an obligation for the ZNBC to be accessed by any citizen. 6.0 Recommendations In view of the start of the new year, 2018, it is important for MISA Zambia and various other stakeholders to draw up a plan of action to tackle and clear the unfinished business adversely affecting the media landscape in the country. Prominent among such unfinished business are: Harassment and threats of media practitioners MISA Zambia should without delay initiate a move to identify and engage authorities that would effectively stop the continued harassment of and attacks on media practitioners and media houses. Such engagement should go beyond writing letters of protest or occasional demonstrations. Enactment of the ATI Bill The enactment of ATI Bill remains central for the good governance, transparency and accountability in Zambia. Access to information is imperative even for Members of Parliament and therefore MISA Zambia should partner with other like-minded stakeholders to maintain the campaign that would ensure that government expedites the enactment of ATI Bill in the foreseeable future. The enactment should not be indefinite as it seems now. Transforming ZNBC into a public service broadcaster The accolades showered upon the ZNBC for according lengthy coverage of a leader of a political party should trigger internal organisational review that should enable the government to take corrective measures of transforming the ZNBC into a true public service broadcaster. Such a move would also enhance the need to justify any increase in the television levy. Polarisation of the media in Zambia Over the years the people of Zambia have embraced the unfortunate reality that the private media and the public media are polarised. Many a media practitioner and authority acknowledge this factor, but without remedy. Time is probably opportune to address the problem with a view to redressing the situation so that the Fourth Estate may regain its “lost” glory of informing the 26