STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA As Zambia makes strides in becoming a middle-income country by 2030, the right to information on the economy is crucial in helping investors make informed decisions that would help accelerate economic growth. UNZA Vice Chancellor Luke Mumba says financial journalists are therefore, critical in the information dissemination process hence the need for them to be well informed on socioeconomic issues. In a speech read for him by Acting Deputy Vice –Chancellor Dr. Michael Mulenga at the launch of Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa-sponsored financial journalism training programme, Professor Mumba said the media plays an important role of ensuring the public is well informed in areas of business, finance and economics. In the same vein, on 30th July, 2019 The Times of Zambia Newspaper reported that . “DSAT orients science journalists” in a bid to achieve specialised reporting amongst journalists. The paper reported that: From time immemorial, the media industry in the country has a deficiency in having a cadre of reporters with a burning desire to pursue science communication. Owing to lack of adequate understanding of science matters coupled with a shortage in enthusiasm among reporters, science related stories have often been treated as a second fiddle in the news rooms. This has therefore birthed a society that always has its own misconceptions on science related issues which are difficult to comprehend by lay people. Thus, in a bid to inculcate a cadre of science communicators, Dizwa Science & Technology (DSat) Trust recently organized a one-day orientation workshop for journalists in Lusaka. The event was held in conjunction with the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), the University of Zambia (UNZA) and the Biotechnology Outreach society of Zambia. DSaT wants to distinguish itself through the determination to contribute to the Zambian society and build support for science through proactive communication outreach to targeted audiences. This is premised on complimenting researcher’s efforts to contribute to the Zambian society and build support for science through proactive communication outreach to targeted audiences. 14