Fox Report Exposes Media Freedom Struggles

...MISA Urges Stronger Protections for Press and Digital Rights in Zambia 

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia – (17-12-2024) - The latest Fox Report Zambia paints a gloomy picture of the state of media freedom, freedom of expression, and digital rights in the country.

The report, covering January to June 2024, outlines challenges such as restricted access to information, harassment of journalists, and inadequate digital rights protections, all of which threaten Zambia’s democratic foundations.

According to MISA Zambia Consultant and Researcher Dr. Freeborn Kibombwe, the findings demand urgent reforms to safeguard press freedom, ensure access to information, and protect digital rights.

“The media is critical to Zambia’s democratic processes, but these findings reveal a worrying trend of increasing restrictions on access to information and press freedom,” Kibombwe said.

The report highlights that 75% of respondents found accessing information difficult, with only 15% reporting ease of access. 

Dr. Kibombwe attributed this to the slow implementation of the Access to Information (ATI) Act of 2023.

“The ATI Act was a milestone, but without practical enforcement, it remains a paper tiger. Citizens and journalists alike are facing roadblocks that undermine their constitutional rights,” he stated.

In response to the report, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana, through Director of Press and Media Development Modern Mayembe, advised the media fraternity to prioritize fact-based, research-driven evaluations when assessing media freedom.

“Research should focus on specific, verifiable data that accurately reflects the state of media freedom in Zambia,” Mayembe said at the launch of the report.

He also highlighted Zambia’s expanding media landscape, with over 50 television stations and a growing presence of digital platforms. 

However, he cautioned that more outlets do not necessarily equate to more media freedom.

“We must consider whether these outlets are free from external pressures and how media laws impact their operations,” Mayembe added. 

He stressed the importance of the Fox Report Zambia’s findings in guiding discussions on media reforms.

But Lorraine Mwanza Chisanga, Chairperson of the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA), called for stronger protection of media freedoms and greater access to information.

“The findings of this report are essential to preserving Zambia's democracy,” Chisanga said, emphasizing the critical role of freedom of expression and an independent media in supporting democracy.

Chisanga urged the government to repeal restrictive laws that hinder media freedom. “We urge the government to prioritize the repeal of such laws,” she said.

She commended the Zambian government for engaging with civil society organizations but emphasized the need for continued collaboration to protect journalists’ rights.

“This cooperation is crucial for fostering a more open society,” she concluded.

The report also critiques the Public Order Act (POA), which 53% of respondents believe restricts media operations. Dr. Kibombwe called for an urgent review of the act, arguing that its current application hinders journalists and civil society.

“The government must expedite reforms to the POA to ensure it aligns with democratic principles. We cannot allow outdated legislation to stifle media operations,” he said.

With 74% of respondents rating Zambia’s media environment as “partially free,” the report further highlights growing threats to digital rights and harassment of online journalists, including bloggers, leading to increased self-censorship.

The launch of the Fox Report Zambia marks a significant step in promoting informed discussions on media freedom and digital rights in the country. 

Without decisive action, the rights to free expression and access to information will remain under threat, hindering the country’s democratic progress.