STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA 11.0 Appendices 11.1 Notable Events in The Quarter Successes Violations Journalists from across Zambia gathered to deliberate on the formulation of a statutoryself regulatory framework that would guide the way journalists do their work. The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) issued a directive to all broadcast media houses to submit copies of their broadcast content every fortnight for monitoring purposes. The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) lifted the 30 days suspension on Prime TV license that was enforced after the impasse between TV station and the Secretary General of the Patriotic Front party (PF). Power FM in Kabwe was attacked and had their property damaged by Patriotic Front cadres during the ‘Power to the people’ programme that featured Dr. Chishimba Kambwili. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Radio Maria Zambia in Chipata was attacked Information and Broadcasting Services gave a after a political programme. directive to public media especially to accord a chance to all opposition political parties air their views and opinions. Lusaka Magistrate, Nthandose Chabala acquitted News Diggers! editor-in-chief Joseph Mwenda and reporter Zondiwe Mbewe, in a matter where PF cadre Chanoda Ngwira had dragged them to court for allegedly defaming then Housing and Infrastructure Minister Ronald Chitotela and alleging that the trio had misrepresented facts in a court matter. A Breeze FM journalist, Grace Lungu was assaulted by PF cadres as she was travelling to cover a by-election in Lundazi. She lost money worth K400 in the ordeal. The case dragged on and latest information is that 7th September is the day for ruling The Republican President Mr. Edgar Lungu directed his Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations Mr. Isaac Chipampe to ensure that information is disseminated on time to counter fake news as lack of information breeds rumours and assumptions. The Republican President Mr. Edgar Lungu directed his Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations to counter fake news amongst journalists. The Independent Broad Authority (IBA) A Journalist from Prime TV, Oswald Yambani continued issuing licences to broadcast stations. was threatened with verbal and physical abuse by Muchima Community radio was granted an the then Minister of Youth and Sports operating licence as a result. 33