STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBA
journalists. This is in order to achieve the highest levels of freedom and protection of
journalists’ rights.
g) Media standards and professionalism. Media advocacy institutions need to strike a
balance between promoting media freedom and freedom of expression on one hand and
insistence on professional journalism and responsible behaviour on both sources and
media workers on the other.
h) The struggle for media law reforms must continue.
i) Need for a comprehensive media and communication policy - Zambia still lacks a
comprehensive media and communication policy to be the blueprint for the media
industry’s diverse activities, growth and general provisions except for a 1996 draft policy
which was revised in 2002 and 2012. This particular document must receive the
necessary attention and scrutiny that has thus far been lacking as it would be vital in
organising the media industry in the country in a more comprehensive and conclusive
manner.
j) Digital migration. Now that digital migration has commenced in earnest, it is important
to put its house in order and put in place clear legal frameworks and ensure a win-win
situation and avoid having to disadvantage any section of the media, and the public for
that matter. The proposed increase in TV Levy and introduction of subscription fees
should be thoroughly thought through to avoid limiting people’s access to media. Finally,
the low level of awareness on the digital migration process continues to exacerbate the
challenges in the migration.

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