Authority targets broadcasting companies

Zambia’s Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has with immediate effect suspended the broadcasting licence for privately owned Prime Television for 30 days for ‘exhibiting unprofessional elements in its broadcasting’. IBA board secretary Josephine Mapoma confirmed the suspension and accused the channel of ‘broadcasting through unbalanced coverage, opinionated news, material likely to incite violence and use of derogatory language’. A report on the allAfrica site notes that board chairperson Chanda Kasolo said the decision was taken after ‘wide engagements ‘with other stakeholders. The IBA has also suspended Valley FM’s licence, revoked those of the Ngoma and Kafue radio stations, and issued 22 new radio licences.