STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA 4.0 Findings Overview 4.1 Policy and Statutory Framework Media practitioners and advocates of media freedom have continued to call for laws that do not suppress the operations of the media. As a result, calls for enactment of the ATI have increased access to information. But 2018 started on a gloomy note for media freedom advocates when then Ministry of Justice Given Lubinda on 23rd February, 2018 said that the Bill would not be reviewed because there were a lot of Bills to table before parliament. Below is an extract from Zambia Reports: “Justice Minister Given Lubinda has ruled out the presentation of the Access to Information Bill and the Public Order Act in Parliament for enactment and amendment respectively in the current sitting. “The current sitting is overloaded with other bill presentations and it will not be possible to table the two legislations,” Mr. Lubinda said2 However, later in March, 2018 there was a glimpse of hope when the Head of State promised that the Bill would be tabled before parliament for review. On two occasions, the President emphasised the need to have the Bill presented to parliament. This move was well received by media advocates including MISA Zambia. Meanwhile, the period under review has experienced announcements of new laws yet to be passed which relate to the freedom of expression among media users. Following the increase in the number of internet users in the country, the social media has significantly become an influential platform for sharing news and information. The social media has become a channel for critical expression and criticism for government officials. It also provides agency and resistance, where different individuals and groups stage protests and express themselves on issues affecting society. Consequently, this situation poses great threats to the government which has since preoccupied itself with finding ways of monitoring social media activities. The 2 rd Zambian Reports, 23 February, 2018: Parley shelves Access To Information Bill, Political Party Law 7