STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA 4.2. Self-Regulation of the Media Apart from the calls for regulation of the cyber space, calls to regulate the media were reported in the media in the quarter under review. Government called on the media to consider a law to allow for the media to regulate itself for professional recognition like other professions. The calls come at a time when the media in Zambia is said to have a lot of media practitioners without a media background. On 31st October, Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dora Siliya called on media industry players to make proposals for government to enact suitable laws5. The Minister on 22nd November, was quoted by Lusaka Times urging media professional to uphold professionalism6. “Government is happy with the growing number of radio stations across the country, it is however concerned with the levels of unprofessionalism being perpetrated in some radio stations. Ms. Siliya says there is need for practitioners and radio broadcasters to ensure high levels of professionalism that upholds journalism ethics with emphasis on truthfulness, objectivity, fairness and honesty. Ms. Siliya called for a self- regulatory regime for the media, to address issues of unprofessionalism. Further, ZNBC reported that government had reiterated the calls for self-regulation of the media7. Government has reiterated its call for self-regulation of the media. Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dora Siliya also says the media has a responsibility to look after the interests of the state, especially when it comes to security issues. And Ms. Siliya has disclosed that she will soon sign a Statutory Instrument that will ensure broadcasting regulations are adhered to. 5 Zambia Daily Mail –Siliya Calls for Input for Enactment of Right Laws – 31st October, 2018 Lusaka Times – Uphold professionalism, journalists warned – 22nd November, 2018 7 ZNBC – Media Regulation Debate Resurfaces – 22nd November, 2018 6 9