MISA Zambia commends IBA and demands reinstatement of appointments clause in IBA Act

MISA Zambia wishes to commend the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) for lifting the suspension of the license for Itezhi Tezhi Radio following several appeals from various stakeholders including MISA.

The decision to lift the suspension timely because the punishment meted out to the station was unfair as they were neither charged nor given an opportunity to appear before the authority prior to the decision.

The authority must live up to its mandate of  promoting a pluralistic broadcasting industry in Zambia through fair, transparent and effective regulation as provided for in the IBA amendment act of 2010.

MISA also demands that the power of the IBA to regulate public broadcasters such as ZNBC be restored as this will truly level the playing field and allow for uniform and not selective enforcement of standards as has been demonstrated in the events of the past few days.

We reiterate the call for all media institutions and practitioners to stand united and remain professional in their conduct as this is the only way for the media fraternity to forge ahead.

MISA is closely monitoring the legal suit brought by Muvi Television and Komboni Radio.

 

Hellen Mwale

Chairperson-MISA Zambia

About MISA Zambia

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia was founded in 1996. 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.