STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBA Mast Newspaper which has continually been harassed by state agents from its very birth late last year. This lack of regard for the rule of law by those who are supposed to enforce the law affects media performance as this breeds fear among journalists for their safety in their duties which ultimately affects the news gathering function and acts as a disservice to the masses. Stakeholders have continuously spoken out against such actions and deem it to amount to censorship of the media. Last year, MISA Zambia observed that the continuing harassment of private media by government is a well-orchestrated plan to muzzle the press in the country. MISA Chairperson Helen Mwale stated that what was happening amounted to a de facto censorship of the press. She “…called on the Police not to allow themselves to be used to settle political differences through arbitrary and unsubstantiated application of the law which already bears many unreasonable restrictions on the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms in Zambia.” x MISA had also issued an alert to embassies, international partners and human rights agencies over the deteriorating situation in Zambia and increasing threats to democratic governance. These actions by the state, shrouded under the disguise of enforcing the law do not auger well for a nation that is still growing its democracy. Whether the actions are justified or not, there are all the reasons to be misconstrued for suppression of the press. The nation has barely started to enjoy a liberal media system and such actions reverse these gains over the years to put Zambia in a not so good position regarding the respect and promotion of press freedom. A liberal media landscape with plural and diverse media such as the one that was obtaining in Zambia is ideal in a political dispensation such as Zambia’s. Several stakeholders have continued to condemn these actions as uncalled for and detrimental to the growth of both democracy and a free or independent press. In this regard, it is prudent that any government’s discomfort and fear should never override the public’s right to freedom of expression, press freedom and right of access to information. A diverse, plural and independent media allows for citizens to fully realise the benefits of such rights and legal provisions. This further crowds out propagandists who thrive largely on media blackouts and limited information channels. Review of media content analysis data has continued to indicate high levels of polarisation especially as it pertains to the coverage and reporting on the various political parties. In summary, the quarter, was largely reminiscent of previous ones with a number of challenges for free media. The systematic abuse of the media by the government through its various agents has been decried. It is a trend that has got stakeholders greatly concerned that despite laws that 12 | P a g e