Media Freedom in Doubt
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 — (9/4/2026) — Media freedom in Zambia is increasingly under scrutiny, with a new Freedom of Expression (FoX) Report indicating that fear, threats against journalists, weak access to information, and restrictive laws are contributing to shrinking freedoms, although government has challenged the report’s reliance on international standards in assessing the situation.
The latest FoX Report, launched by the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia Chapter, reveals that about 62 percent of respondents believe the media in Zambia does not operate freely, citing persistent challenges such as limited access to information, harassment of journalists, and a growing climate of intimidation.
Speaking during the launch in Lusaka, Mwanza said the sixth edition of the FoX Report, covering July to December 2025, provides an evidence-based assessment of the state of media freedom and freedom of expression in the country.
She noted that the findings come at a critical time as Zambia prepares for the 2026 general elections, where a free, independent and professional media is key to promoting transparency and accountability.
The report shows that while the country has recorded growth in its media landscape, including increased participation and expansion of platforms, significant operational challenges remain.
Cases of harassment and threats against journalists have reportedly increased compared to previous reporting periods, raising concerns about a deepening environment of fear that may lead to self-censorship.
Access to information remains a major barrier, with 65 percent of respondents reporting difficulties in obtaining information, while 79 percent said accessing government-held information is particularly challenging despite the enactment of the Access to Information Act.
Additionally, 75 percent of respondents believe certain laws restrict media operations, underscoring calls for legal reforms to align with constitutional guarantees and international standards on freedom of expression.
The report also highlights emerging trends in the media space, including the growing influence of digital platforms, bloggers and artificial intelligence.
While these developments have expanded access to information, they have also introduced concerns around misinformation, professionalism and ethical standards.
According to the findings, 55 percent of respondents view bloggers as a threat to traditional media, though others see them as complementary players.
The report further notes that 80 percent of media houses do not have policies governing the use of artificial intelligence, while 94 percent lack codes of conduct to regulate its application.
Mwanza said these gaps highlight the urgent need for capacity building, policy development and ethical frameworks to guide the responsible use of emerging technologies.
She called for a multi-stakeholder approach, urging government to strengthen implementation of the Access to Information Act, improve responsiveness among public officials, and review laws that may restrict media freedom.
Mwanza also encouraged media institutions to uphold professionalism and ethical standards while adapting responsibly to digital transformation, and urged citizens to continue demanding accountability and transparency.
She described the FoX Report as a call to action, stressing the need for collective efforts to strengthen media freedom ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Director for Press and Media Modern Mayembe, representing Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana, said while the report is an important reference point, its findings should be interpreted within Zambia’s existing legal context.
“As we discuss this report, it is important to situate press freedom within the legal and operational environment in which journalists operate. Many of the rights cited exist in international law, but they have not yet been incorporated into our national statutes,” he said.
Mayembe noted that Zambia currently has no law that clearly defines who qualifies as a journalist, a gap he said affects the application of rights and protections often associated with the profession.
“There is no legal definition of a journalist in Zambia. As a result, there is no distinct legal status that grants special protections or privileges to media practitioners,” he said.
He added that in the absence of such legal recognition, journalists are subject to the same laws as ordinary citizens, including those governing defamation, privacy, public order and data protection.
“In the eyes of domestic law, journalists are not granted automatic exemptions or special treatment simply because of the work they do. The same legal framework applies to everyone,” he said.
Mayembe further stated that journalism is not formally recognised as a profession under Zambian law, as there is no statutory body mandated to issue practising licences.
He warned that this legal reality has implications for how incidents involving journalists are interpreted, particularly in cases involving law enforcement.
“For instance, if a gathering is not authorised, a journalist present there is treated as any other citizen. Law enforcement will apply domestic law, not international provisions that have not been domesticated,” he said.
Mayembe also cautioned media practitioners on issues of liability, stating that media houses can be held accountable for content published or broadcast on their platforms.
“As long as content is carried on your platform, responsibility attaches to you under the current law,” he said.
He emphasised that press freedom assessments should take into account the domestic legal framework, warning that failure to do so may lead to misleading conclusions.
Despite these concerns, Mayembe commended MISA Zambia for producing the report, describing it as a valuable tool for tracking developments in media freedom, freedom of expression and digital rights.
He called for continued dialogue among government, the media and civil society to address legal gaps, particularly the need to domesticate international standards relating to media rights and protections.
Mayembe reaffirmed government’s commitment to promoting media freedom, noting the important role the media plays in democratic governance and national development.
The Freedom of Expression Report was launched in Lusaka in the presence of media practitioners, civil society organisations and government officials.
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