STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBA 3.4 Freedom of expression during the 1st quarter Freedom of expression and of the media in Zambia remained highly elusive and a contentious matter in the period under review, largely unchanged if not worse from what was obtaining throughout much of 2016 as evidence shows as well as going by the media reports. Several of the respondents interviewed were unanimous in agreeing that the levels of freedom of expression continue to deteriorate in the nation. However, pundits note that, “…the media has come under intense pressure especially from the ruling party…it has been forced into submission and alternative voices are not being given a platform. Only government and those aligned to it have the platform…”xxii This is a worrying observation as it does not sit well in a democratic state such as ours. Zambia can do better than this. In an era such as this, this kind of environment does not fit with the democratic credentials that Zambia is building for itself. In the continued pursuit and fight to sustain press freedom, an online news media outlet called the News Diggers came on the scene in the first quarter. The publication describes itself as Zambia’s first multimedia publication focused on investigative journalism. It comprises a team of experienced journalists with a blend of new and dedicated talent eager to shape the art of digital journalism. As a growing democracy, Zambia needs a free and critical press to foster accountability and good governance. News Diggers! will help facilitate this as we have an ear to the ground. The publication has since its launch established itself to be a fearless, objective, and yet professional outlet that is offering unparalleled online news media service to the nation. On Sunday, 26th February 2017, four journalists from ZNBC and MUVI TV were beaten up and had their cameras damaged by some residents of Chawama town-ship in Lusaka. The incident is reported to have occurred as the journalists filmed an operation by the Zambia Police, Zambia Medical Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) to clamp down on illegal drug stores in the area. Reacting to the report, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Kampamba Mulenga said that government learnt with regret and strongly condemned the reported violence against journalists. “Government therefore calls upon all law enforcement agencies to ensure that they leave no stone unturned and bring the culprits to book.” She reiterated government’s commitment to upholding the rights of journalists.xxiii The quarter as earlier stated had incidences reminiscent of the previous three quarters and the continued harassment and intimidation of citizens expressing their opinions on various media platforms. 22 | P a g e