STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA time was the Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, that youths should channel their energies to positive issues. Unlike, Hakainde Hichilema in the story attributed to him defending journalists from attacks from the secretary general of PF and stating that in the wake of new media, it was not possible to gag the media, Mr. Chanda instead was advising journalists and youths saying: “youths must make rightful contributions, remain relevant and be ambassadors of peace. They should avoid antagonism and stop social media abuse.” 4.2 Economic and Technological Environment The monitisation of digital technologies has been a subject of debate world over and government has realised this. On 31st January 2019, the Information and Broadcasting Minister Dora Siliya was quoted by Lusaka Times under the heading “government to help citizens create wealth by fully embracing digital technology.” The paper reported that: Information and Broadcasting Minister, Dora Siliya says Zambia is determined to create employment through the use of digital migration technology. Ms. Siliya who is also Chief Government Spokesperson says Government will help its citizens to create wealth by fully embracing Digital Technology. Speaking when she toured the Multichoice Africa facility in Randburg, South Africa Ms. Siliya says the use of local content in Television was cardinal in ensuring that citizens remain engaged with the government. Meanwhile, on 19th March 2019, The Zambia Daily Mail Publication carried a headline, “Internet Speed Now A Key Factor.” The paper reported that: Communications Minister Dr Brian Mushimba says internet speed is now a key factor and that internet connectivity has now become more of a necessity than a luxury… We used to exist a lot on voice communication, but nowadays, we do minimal voice calls but multitudes of data-driven communication on the back of the speed of the internet, “Dr Mushimba said. “So when we are launching 4G network in Lusaka, as we are doing today, we are doing something marvelous. 15