Zambia 2015 violations & victories 5 January Zambia makes notable strides on the Digital Migration process Zambia made a great stride towards meeting the ITU deadline when government officially launched the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) test transmission at ZNBC. 12 February Draft Information and Media Policy unveiled Former Permanent Secretary at Minister of Information Chanda Kasolo presented the draft Information and Media Policy that Government had been working on. The policy is aimed at helping grow a vibrant, free and independent media. The draft policy was presented at a stakeholder’s consultative workshop. 26 February Minister threatens to shut down Zambian independent news site Newly appointed Minister of Information, Chishimba Kambwili threatened to close down Zambian Watchdog, one of the country’s few independent online news sources focused on political and investigative reporting. 27 February Support for a vibrant and free media Information and broadcasting services Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo said government was in the process of coming up with a media policy that will help foster a vibrant, free and independent media in the country. He said this when he officially opened the stakehold- ers consultative workshop on the draft national information and media policy. 1 March Minister denounces harassment of journalists Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo said he would not tolerate any harassment of journalists by political party cadres. He told QFM News in an interview that government wanted to set serious standards to protect journalists from harassment because they are the pillar to informing and educating the nation. He further noted that government found it unfortunate that journalists continue to suffer harassment perpetrated by political party cadres. 3 March ZNBC journalist assaulted UPND cadres attacked a ZNBC news crew that was assigned to cover a police search at their party leader Hakainde Hichilema’s residence in Lusaka’s New Kasama area. The incident took place in full view of police clad in riot gear. The UPND cadres also blocked the news crew from ZNBC and Daily Nation from entering Mr. Hichilema’s residence. 24 April Minister dissolves board and fires MDs of public print media Government has with immediate effect dissolved the Boards of Directors of Times of Zambia and Zambia Daily Mail in a move bordering on political interference.