review of management and funding models to enhance editorial independence and institutional autonomy. This would also be in line with the 2001 African Charter on Broadcasting12, which creates an obligation for public broadcasters with editorial independence and freedom from interference. Interestingly, it is from the Charter that the initial three-tier broadcasting model (public, commercial and community) is adopted. 3.2.1. Access to Information In the quarter under review, there was no significant progress on enactment of a law on Access to Information. The law on Access to Information is critical for the enhancement of transparency, accountability and the role of the media, all of which are essential in a liberal democracy. Further, such a law could help to alleviate vices such as corruption which thrive in an environment of secrecy. During the quarter, newly appointed Minister of Information and Media, Chushi Kasanda, announced that the Ministry had been tasked by President Hakainde Hichilema to prioritise the enactment of the Access to Information legislation, promising to expedite the process13. It is commendable that the new government has prioritised the Access to Information Bill. It is hoped, though, that a concrete framework will be put in place to ensure the process of enacting the law actually commences, to avoid adding to the long list of promises that have characterised subsequent regimes from 2001 when the law was first mooted. There is need for immediate publication of the draft Access to Information Bill as approved by Cabinet in the previous regime. This will allow stakeholders to input into the Bill prior to its presentation to Parliament. 12 Available at https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/african_charter.pdf In a statement made available by the Ministry’s Press and Public Relations Unit, Hon. Kasanda stated: “I will be getting an update from the Permanent Secretary and the team so that we make resolutions on the next steps. We will not be looking at why previous governments did not enact the legislation. The President has directed that Access to Information legislation must be enacted. We have to move in that direction and we will move with speed”. 13 24