STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA This will help the local channels go back to free-to-air channels as local channels are being treated as pay TV channels on the TopStar bouquet. Further, MISA Zambia and other stakeholders should work on engaging government to review the operations of TopStar following the breach in the Digital Migration Policy as TopStar is operating as a signal distributor and a content provider contrary to what the policy says. 6.4 Ensure Cyber-Crimes Laws don’t Curb Privacy and Freedom of Expression Zambia is currently in the processes of enacting three laws to prosecute cybercrimes. These are aimed to control and oversee all information and communication practice in Zambia. While waiting for these bills to be presented to parliament, civil society needs to advocate to ensure the proposed laws don’t impede on freedom of expression and access to information and also conform with national and regional principles protecting the right to privacy, including the right to private communication 6.5 Protect Online Freedom of Expression As a growing number of ordinary Zambians exchange ideas and information online, public authorities are increasingly threatening – and even arresting – people because of views and information posted on social media. Civil society must step up awareness of digital rights to and demand the promotion and protection of freedom of expression and access to information rights. 6.6 Insist on Ethical and Professional Media Workers Over the years the people of Zambia have embraced the unfortunate reality that the private media and the public media are politically polarised. Many a media practitioner and authority acknowledge this factor, but without remedy. As well as promoting media freedom and freedom of expression, media advocate institutions also need to insist on professional standards and responsible reporting from media workers. 20