STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA Meanwhile, emphasis should also be put on the opposition political parties responsibility to accept or request to appear in the public media so that they air their views. It is important that opposition voices are also heard to make sure there is a balance in opinions. As pertains the respect for divergent views, on 17th April, 2019 The Lusaka Times Publication carried a headline, “Government is not against private media” the paper reported that: Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dora Siliya says assertions by some quarters of the media that Government is against privately owned media are not only incorrect but misleading. Ms. Siliya says this is because the private media like public media have a critical role to play in bridging the information gap but also contribute significantly to the country’s economy through employment creation. It is important to ensure that the public media is opened up for all stakeholders to access. This is important for the development of democracy. In the spirit of forgiveness, on 27th May, 2019, the Zambia Observers online publication carried a headline, “PF officials apologise to Chipata journalist over death threats” it was reported that MISA Zambia had amicably dealt with the matter regarding PF cadres’ death threats on Radio Maria news editor after holding different meetings with the Eastern Province PF leadership, Provincial Police command and the Catholic Church in Chipata Diocese. This resulted from attacks on Radio Maria Zambia by PF cadres. In response to the efforts by MISA Zambia, Provincial PF Secretary Joseph Kolosa said the party would ensure that they promote a good working relationship with journalists. Meanwhile, attacks on journalists in the quarter under review were not only perpetuated by “low level” political cadres but also by senior government officials who unfortunately got entangled in fights with journalists. For example, Oswald Yambani a journalist with Prime TV was verbally attacked by Mr. Moses Mawere who at the time was Sports Minister. This was in a case were Mr. Moses Mawere was angered by a report that aired on Prime TV showing Chipata Constituency residents complaining about his absence and lack of development in his constituency. It was reported by The Zambian Watchdog, that the Minister warned the journalist saying, “this is Chipata, people disappear.” Mr. Mawere was relieved of his duty on July 19th, a few weeks after uttering the threats directed at the reporter. However, since President Edgar Lungu did not give reasons for his firing, it may not be true to 25