Zambian radio back on air after license restored

Zambia's broadcasting regulator on Tuesday lifted the suspension of a broadcasting license for radio service Itezhi-tezhi.

Last week, the Independent Broadcasting Authority suspended three broadcasters, among them the country's main independent television.

The regulator suspended the licenses for Muvi Television, Komboni and Itezhi-tezhi radios for alleged unprofessional conduct which posed a risk to national peace and security before, during and after the August 11 general elections.

But the regulator said it had restored the license of Itezh-tezhi radio after it showed remorse for airing a program that was inciting violence during a hearing.

The radio station was summoned to appear before the regulator and expressed regret over its action and asked for lenience, the regulator said in a statement.

The hearing, which was scheduled for September 14, was brought forward at the station's request, the regulator added.

The regulator however said it could not act on the two other broadcasters because they had taken the matter to court.

In July this year, the government published a code of conduct for radio and television stations as a way to regulate the industry.

The aim is to ensure that the country's 96 radio stations and 33 television stations assume responsibility in terms of content provision and professional conduct.

In June, the country's biggest private newspaper, the Post, was closed by the revenue agency, on failure to pay taxes.

Stakeholders have said the attacks targeted at media houses are meant to silence criticism and were politically motivated, a charge that the broadcasting regulator has denied. Endit