Precarious journalism: A typology of Zambian journalism practice and emerging journalism culture in covering political news

Abstract

Zambian journalism faces and endures precarious conditions that make practising professionally and ethically challenging. These difficulties, including polarisation, job insecurity or losses, threats and incidents of physical harm, and a burdensome regulatory and legal environment, have fostered a journalism culture that is more ad hoc than planned or considered, as journalists operate in a harsh environment. Using the In-depth Interview (IDI) approach to gather data phenomenologically, this paper examines the factors that have contributed to the current situation using thematic analysis. The study interviewed and analysed data from 24 Zambian journalists, editors and three media owners from both public and private media institutions between 2019 and 2025. The paper also explores the emerging journalistic cultures that result from these precarities, proposing coping strategies to handle both internal and external challenges. Findings indicate that ownership and State control are key factors. Consequently, journalists have adapted by practising contingency journalism, working on an ad hoc basis within the limits of professionalism as much as possible. These precarious conditions sometimes lead to post-ethical dilemmas, as they extend beyond professional boundaries, impacting livelihoods, personal security, and the safety of journalists and their families, considerations that are not strictly within professional parameters but significantly influence journalists personally, creating a contingency journalism culture that helps them navigate the difficult operating environment.