STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA homes. The case just like in Power FM circumstances was discontinued on account that the church (who own and run the radio station) had forgiven the cadres. In a twist however, on 6th May ,2019 the News Diggers! publication carried a headline, “Chipata Police release arrested PF officials who stormed Radio Maria” The paper reported that: Police in Eastern Province have released two PF officials who were arrested for storming Catholic Church-run Radio Maria on claims that the church had withdrawn the matter. But Chipata Diocese Chancellor Fr Dennis Phiri expressed surprise at the development, wondering how forgiving the PF youths for their unruly conduct would override the law that the police were expected to enforce. The conclusion to the two cases of “criminal trespass” make for an interesting debate on press freedom as it highlights the position and seriousness that media attach to having their rights respected and protected. Many questions come into play as regards the two cases; is it a case of political interference or is it a case of genuine forgiveness on the part of the media? What stood out however from the two cases, was the political will exhibited by the Republican President, Mr. Edgar Lungu to voice out in support of the media. The President’s show of commitment to the protection of journalists spoke volumes and if continued has potential to create a favourable environment for journalists where their rights are protected and upheld. 4.2.2 Lawsuits Before the incidents of harassment of journalists were recorded in Kabwe and Chipata, the period under review recorded a number of lawsuits involving journalists. On 4th May, 2019 the News Diggers publication carried a headline, “PF cadre denies assaulting Chipata Journalist.” The paper reported that: A suspected PF cadre who is alleged to have assaulted a journalist from Chipata’s Breeze FM and got away with K400, has pleaded not guilty to both charges in the Lundazi Magistrates’ Court. In the matter, Frank Mwale, a 41-year-old businessman of Jere Compound in Chipata district, is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and theft. It is alleged in the first count that on February 12, 2019, Mwale jointly and whilst acting together with other persons’ unknown, assaulted Grace Lungu, a journalist from Chipata’s Breeze FM, 17