STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA 4.1 Policy and Statutory Framework 4.1.1. Self-Regulation of the media The most pronounced form of regulation reported in the media in the first quarter (January to March) 2019 were calls to regulate the media. Government called on the media to consider a law to allow for the fraternity to regulate itself for professional recognition. The calls came at a time when the media in Zambia was said to have a lot of media practitioners without a media background. These views were shared with Information Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo on 18th March who was quoted in the Daily Mail newspaper saying “quacks undermining journalism.” The Permanent Secretary (PS) further stated that, “we have professions like accountants and lawyers whom we respect, so why should the case be different for the journalists? We need to bring sanity to the profession.” The sentiments by the Information PS were on 25 th January 2019, also echoed by Dr. Mutambashiku Bwalya a Lecturer and Researcher from the University of Zambia’s Department of Media and Communication Studies. Dr Bwalya told the Parliamentary Committee on media, information and communication technology that the media can take a leaf from the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) and adopt regulations that will work better for them. Dr. Bwalya told the committee headed by Hon. George Imbuwa, that freedom of expression is important and it should be done responsibly. The Daily Mail newspaper quoted Dr. Bwalya saying that: “We need self-regulation of a hybrid sort where it is enacted by parliament and then journalists pick it up to run the show. There is need for an overhaul of Zambian Laws to facilitate for true media freedoms. Laws that impede media freedom should be repealed or amended.” Dr. Bwalya argued that; “politicians are allegedly the major culprits behind the media’s weaknesses because they (politicians) have compromised the way journalists conduct themselves.” He further stated that politicians have divided most media houses, a situation that has affected the quality of information disseminated to the public. In the same vein, on 29th January, Information PS Chanda Kasolo gave the media an ultimatum of three months to come up with a self-regulatory framework or face statutory regulation. Justifying his directive, Mr. Kasolo stated that: 7