Home 9 News 9 State of the Media in Zambia – Q2, 2017

State of the Media in Zambia – Q2, 2017

29 Sep, 2017
Freedom of expression and of the media in Zambia still remains seems to be a far-fetched dream, according to MISA Zambia's latest report.

Freedom of expression and of the media in Zambia still remains seems to be a far-fetched dream.

The media remained tight lipped with the quest to protect their jobs and operation licences. Despite being told by President Edgar Lungu that the media will remain free under his leadership, the period under review suggests that Freedom of expression and of the media is deteriorating in the Nation.

The continued trend of media suppression from the ruling party has forced the media to practice self-censorship in order to avoid closure or suspension of their operation licences.

The 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.

  • The Judiciary banned the media from taking photographs in courts and using explicit langue in their reportage. The judiciary said it was concerned that some journalists from different sections of the media and public had been taking photographs and videos of proceedings inside the court rooms.
  • Media faced a flurry of legal suits and counter suits that were clearly adding to the many pressures that they have already been facing since 2016. One unique case was one where the Daily Nation Newspaper threatened to sue The Mast Newspaper.
  • Former Post Newspaper proprietor Fred M’membe was reported to be hiding. Liquidator Lewis Mosho told the Sunday Nation that they were still looking for him as he was in hiding.
  • MISA Zambia intervened to save 29 radio stations from facing the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) wrath. MISA Zambia said it engaged IBA in finding a solution to the issue surrounding the 29 radio stations that were at risk of losing their operating licenses due to non-payment of operational fees to the authority.

What is evident though, is that the hope for a freer media and freedom of expression in Zambia is ever getting far fetched going by these events.

For the full report: State of the Media in Zambia Q2 2017

About MISA

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) was founded in 1992. Its work focuses on promoting, and advocating for, the unhindered enjoyment of freedom of expression, access to information and a free, independent, diverse and pluralistic media.

Share this

Related news

61 YEARS OF PEACE AND UNITY

61 YEARS OF PEACE AND UNITY

PRESS STATEMENT For Immediate Release LUSAKA, Friday, 24th October 2025 – MISA Zambia today joins other stakeholders in celebrating the country’s 61st Independence Anniversary under the theme “61 Years of Peace and Unity: Building a Resilient and Prosperous Zambia.”...

Africa Human Rights Day Statement

Africa Human Rights Day Statement

Africa Human Rights Day, observed annually on 21 October, offers a chance to reflect on the progress achieved in advancing human rights, whilst addressing the persistent challenges that still threaten these advances. This year’s commemorations, held under the theme...

FOX Fellowships ( Call for Applications)

FOX Fellowships ( Call for Applications)

DW Akademie in collaboration with the Spaces of Solidarity coalition of Media Freedom Advocates offer five FOX Fellowships of 1,000 EUR (~ 1,100 USD) for activists, media professionals, media freedom and freedom of expression advocates to foster free expression in the...

News

/ MISA on Twitter

[fts_twitter twitter_name=MISAZambia tweets_count=3 cover_photo=yes stats_bar=no show_retweets=no show_replies=no]