STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBA Communications for disconnecting their services and continuing to encrypt the signal transmitted by the free-to-air content providers. In the same quarter, it was reported in the media that the Born Short Living Tall (BSLT) organisation challenged government to walk the talk and expedite the enactment of the Access to Information bill to strengthen accountability and enhance the effectiveness of democratic participation. BSLT Executive Director Ntalasha Chisha said that it is a well-known fact that the ATI Bill is a great weapon to fight corruption and that the organisation has observed with concern how some government contracts especially in the construction sector have allegedly been dubiously awarded to incapable contractors, who in turn produce substandard work. Review of media content analysis data has continued to indicate high levels of polarisation especially as it pertains to the coverage and reporting on the various political parties. On the side of Freedom of expression and of the media, experts say that Zambia is headed towards recording the worst form of abuse of freedom of expression and of the Media. This is because during the quarter under review, media report analysed show a serious drive by media organisations to self regulation for fear of losing their operational licences. On a positive note however, the broadcast sector received some great development as government kick started the project of constructing of provincial television stations in the country at a cost of $273 million. The Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Kampamba Mulenga said government had already commenced the construction works in Solwezi, North western province, Choma district in southern province and the latest being Kabwe district in Central province. 7|Page