In 2016, government authorities ordered the closure of the publishing company Post Newspapers Limited, on 21 June, demanding $6.1 million tax in arrears.
This closure occurred after The Post accused Zambian authorities of selectively applying the law to target the publication for its news coverage.
[3] There were some accusations on the part of the PF party by Reporters Without Borders that condemn attacks on media pluralism during the campaign for 2016 presidential election in Zambia due to the ruling Patriotic Front's harassment and threats against several news outlets.
They threatened to assault the news editor in retribution for statements made during a live program about the party’s poor showing in a recent by-election.
The State Security Act of 1969 limits free speech and media freedom, thereby restricting the possibility to criticize the government and its officials.
[8][citation needed] On June 8, 2010, Pansy Tlakula, the African Union's special rapporteur on freedom of expression tried to persuade the Zambian government to repeal section 116(1)(d) of the Zambian Penal Code, “which criminalizes speech or writing that could prejudice opinion regarding ongoing judicial proceedings.”[9] This, according to him, is contrary to what is obtainable in the regional and international law for freedom of expression.
“Radio remains the medium of choice in most of the country because of its relatively low cost of access, but many stations face financial difficulties due to their dependence on sponsored programming and the small advertising market.”[2] ZANIS- Zambia News and information Services remains the state-owned agency in the country as a public relations wing of government under the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting Services.
Those in the Urban cities have more access to the Internet services than those in the rural areas who encounter poor signals and high cost payment.