STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA major beneficiary of this much advocated bill will be the ordinary citizens,” Chiwama said. Apart from the comments made by the media expert and JCTR, MISA engagement meetings with various stakeholders to make progress towards enacting the ATI bill. 4.5 Media ethics During the period under review need for the media practitioners to adhere to professional ethics remained a concern. The concern was observed when certain media houses had their licenses suspended. Further, the media were advised to adhere to media ethics and laws when executing their duties. 4.6 Review of Burning issues 4.6.1 Announced Journalists dress code During this quarter, on 28th May, government issued a memo outlining the dress of journalists when covering events also stating how the photographers should behave when covering such functions35. The memo was received with mixed feelings even among media practitioners and representatives. News Diggers reported a division in the media circles with the contention that the move was being used by government to deter journalists to cover news. In a memo dated May 18, 2018, and addressed to ZANIS, ZNBC, Zambia Daily Mail, Times of Zambia, and NAIS, acting Permanent Secretary, Beaton Kaluba, announced that no journalist dressed informally or inappropriately would be allowed to cover state functions. Kaluba also stated that photographers and cameramen would only be required to stand on a provided-for raised platform at the airport when doing their work. “I write to inform you that all journalists will with immediate effect be required to dress appropriately during state functions. I therefore urge you to ensure that all members of staff are formally and appropriately dressed. It has been decided that 35 News Diggers – Journalists divided over govt imposed dress code – 28th May, 2018. 29