STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBA Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN 1 and TBN 2), QTV, City Television, Hope TV, France 24, Parliament TV and CAMNET. Implementation of phases 2 and 3 commenced in early 2017 and will see the construction of six (6) provincial broadcasting stations, and installation of transmission sites that will bring digital television to all parts of Zambia. According to the implementation plan there will be completion of installation in the remaining six provincial centres by 30th June 2017 and installation in remote sites will be completed by 31st December 2017.xxvi 6.0 Online Media The major highlight of the year regarding the online media sector was the emergence of the News Diggers online publication set up by seasoned professional journalists. 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. Media pundits were quick to notice its presence and the already immense contribution it has been making since coming on the scene. The International Press Institute (IPI) welcomed Zambia’s News Diggers, as a new multimedia publication whose primary focus will be on investigative journalism, as a full member of its global network for a free media. “We are pleased to welcome News Diggers as a full IPI member,” IPI Director of Advocacy and Communications Steven M. Ellis said. “We applaud the News Diggers team and Editor-in-Chief Joseph Mwenda on their commitment to public interest reporting and independent journalism. We’re certain that their work will go a long way in shaping Zambia’s democracy.xxvii The Zambian Watchdog website which had been grounded since the middle of September 2016 has come back on the scene to add its voice to the online media platform. Its reach and influence however has not reached its glorious past since it was knocked out of cyber space. There are a few more recognisable online media platforms that continue to exist and service the Zambian population that include Zambia Reports, Zambian Eye, Mwebantu New Media, Lusaka Star, Lusaka Times, among several such outlets that are notable. The challenge however, is the difficulty in qualifying which of these are actually operating as fully established and licenced by 26 | P a g e