STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA party’s Media Director, Sunday Chanda, the PF found the reported interruption of Chishimba Kambwili’s radio programme in Kabwe highly unfortunate. Party Media Director Sunday Chanda said the party is particularly saddened because the genesis of this occurrence was avoidable. The attacks on Power FM prompted a response from the Republican President Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu who on 4th April was quoted by the Lusaka Times saying that he had directed the Police to immediately arrest suspected PF cadres who attacked journalists at Power FM in Kabwe and Radio Maria Zambia in Chipata. In the statement issued by the Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda, the President was disappointed with the silence by the police and their failing to take action on the people that attacked Power FM and Radio Maria Zambia in Central and Eastern provinces respectively. Other top government officials also condemned the attacks perpetuated in the period under review. For example, the Lusaka Times online Publication carried a headline, “Government committed to creating a conducive environment for media” The publication quoted the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services saying that: government has reaffirmed its commitment and determination to continued creation of beneficial environments in order for the media to flourish. Meanwhile, Police on 10th June 2019, advised journalists to take safety precautions during their work. The News Diggers publication reported that: Zambia Police Deputy Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga says it is important for journalists in Zambia to take major safety, security and ethical precautions during their work. During a media training on safety and security of journalists organized by Bloggers of Zambia, Hamoonga said professionalism and etiquette must be the hallmarks of independent journalism if news had to be gathered, processed and published. Hamoonga said there was need to enhance skills and techniques of Zambian journalists on safety and security during their work when covering violent and non-violent activities. He paper further reported that: “Zambian journalists have not done well in terms of properly identifying themselves during public events, which was a necessity as it makes it possible for the police to ensure their safety. Journalists must consider wearing correct clothing when covering particular assignments. Violent crowds and riots were some of the events where journalists were prone to being caught in the crossfire”. Journalists should remember that their lives are worth more than the story they are covering. It is important to ensure safety and security during events, especially those violent in nature.” 15