Media bodies rue suspension of Zambian broadcasters' licenses

Media bodies on Tuesday condemned the move by Zambia's broadcasting regulator to suspend licenses for three broadcasters, including the country's major private television.

On Monday, the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) suspended licenses of Muvi Television, Komboni and Itezhi-tezhi radio stations for unprofessional conduct before, during and after the August 11 polls.

But the Press Association of Zambia (PAZA) has described the move null and void, and a breach of the broadcasting law.

Andrew Sakala, PAZA president, said the broadcasting law stipulates that it was mandatory for the regulator to give broadcasting stations an opportunity to defend themselves before canceling or suspending the licenses.

"The suspension of the broadcasting licenses of the three broadcasting stations is premature and illegal because the Independent Broadcasting Authority board breached the act by not giving the three stations an opportunity to defend themselves," he said in a statement.

He added that the regulator should rescind its decision and follow the law.

The Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf) also expressed deep concern over the suspension of the broadcasters, adding that clamping down on the media could not instill professionalism in the media sector.

"Instead of taking such drastic action, the IBA should have engaged the affected media house and helped them address the imbalances and whatever issues that were the basis of the suspension of these broadcast licenses," Lilian Kiefer, the organization's executive director said.

Kellys Kaunda, a media consultant and former chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia Chapter, has advised the three broadcasting stations to seek a negotiated settlement with the regulator. Endit