STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA However, it is important to note that in the process of cracking down on hate speech, the PF government must not be seen to be stepping on people’s rights and liberties. On 13th June, 2019 The News Diggers Newspaper Publication carried a headline, “PF Social Media crack squad welcome, but Shouldn’t impede people’s rights – MP.” The paper reported that: Patriotic Front parliamentary chief whip Steven Chungu says the decision by the party leadership to constitute a social media crack squad for monitoring the usage of the platform is a welcome move for as long as it will not hinder the freedoms of members. In an interview, Chungu who is also Luanshya Central PF member of parliament hastened to state it was important to have discipline and proper use of acceptable language in every group or club. “It is a welcome idea for as long it is not going to step on the rights of the same members. But if it just about disciplining them and finding a way of monitoring to say ‘some good language has to be used,’ I don’t think there is anything wrong with that,” Chungu said. It is important to note that the PF in the period under review showed a strong stance against abuse of social media with top officials, passing orders to the general membership to be wary of hate speech, cyber bullying and called upon its membership to promote responsible use of social media. Done in good faith, this is commendable! 4.2.4 Monitoring/surveillance The period under review was dominated by efforts by IBA to monitor what content is produced and broadcast by media organisations. The move by IBA was considered controversial by many sections of society. For example, on 20th May ,2019, The Globe Newspaper Publication carried an article attributed to the UPND Media Director who was quoted saying: The IBA’s demands for programmes and news bulletin recordings from media houses is a serious indictment on the freedom of the media in Zambia. We have noted with regret that the IBA has of late been used to gag the media through unconstitutional demands every time a by-election is approaching. During the Sesheke by-election, the IBA demanded for footage from Prime Television while the same station had its broadcasting licence suspended ahead of the Roan and Bahati byelections. If this is what the IBA is going to subscribe to, they should understand that there are laws in this country and soon it shall dawn on them. The move by the IBA was further condemned by stakeholders such as the Media Liaison Committee (MLC) (a body championing advocacy around media issues) who on 17th May, 2019 were quoted by The Times 21