STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA Making a submission at a public discussion organized by News Diggers and Open Society Initiative for Southern African (OSISA) at Lusaka’s Hotel InterContinental, Mr. Mwaanga warned that such a move would result in state control of the media. Mr. Mwaanga’s reaction came after Information and Broadcasting Permanent Secretary, Chanda Kasolo disclosed that government had already prepared a framework to regulate the media in the country. Mr. Mwaanga emphasised that the country already had enough laws to regulate the media. The Daily Mail reported that: “there are so many laws on our statutes that regulate the media. So, PS be careful with what you are doing. Otherwise, we can run into a very dangerous territory which can be difficult to come out of. We may have leaders in future generations who may want to interpret laws to suit them. And that could further damage our democratic credentials and put the country on fire.” Speaking at the same event, former Zamcom Director Oliver Kanene wondered what government’s interest was in regulating the media. Mr. Kanene stated that “journalists are already working on a framework to regulate themselves. Even today there was a high-level meeting where we were putting up a document to regulate ourselves. But you still want to go ahead and regulate us. What is your interest in doing that? Why are you insisting on that route?’’ asked Kanene. The sentiments by Mr. Kanene were also echoed by the Media Liaison Committee Chairperson Mr. Enock Ngoma who asked Mr. Kasolo to immediately stop what he was doing and give journalists chance to finish what they were doing. “I humbly plead with you, sir, to stop whatever you are doing on this matter. We are already advanced in preparing a regulatory framework for ourselves. It is our duty to do this, not the government. In fact, we are even coming to see you on Tuesday next week over the same,” said Ngoma. 9