STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA operationalization of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) in 2013 (which had remained inoperable since 2002) and the unprecedented issuance of broadcasting licenses to establish radio and television stations across Zambia to more than 52 radio and 33 television licenses including Prime TV. The statement concluded by saying that PF continues to respect the media and the role it plays in our democracy as the fourth estate. The following day, it was reported in the Times of Zambia that “PF pledges to respect media.” The paper reported that the Patriotic Front (PF) had pledged to respect the media and the role it plays in Zambia’s democratic dispensation as the fourth estate. In a twist, it was reported that: …PF Secretary General, Davies Mwila said he would not apologise for chasing a Prime TV crew from a media briefing he addressed on Saturday and maintained that he would not allow the station to be present at his functions. The statement from Mr. Mwila came after he met officials from the MISA Zambia the previous day to discuss concerns around the PF’s relationship with Prime TV following his protest against the station’s alleged biased reporting. The feud between the PF Secretary General and Prime TV was condemned in the media by a number of stakeholders including civil society groups, the church, some opposition political parties and foreign dignitaries. Among the voices against Mr. Mwila’s actions was ZIIMA a then newly formed media advocacy group that was quoted in The Mast newspaper of 28th January. The paper reported that: The Zambia Institute of Independent Media Alliance (ZIIMA) has condemned the psychological harassment and humiliation of Prime Television journalists by the Patriotic Front secretary general Davies Mwila. In a statement, ZIIMA interim president Jajah Coulibaly advised the PF secretary general to apologise to the two journalists. 18