Coronavirus: License of popular TV station in Zambian revoked!

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The Zambian government has revoked the license of one of the country’s most popular TV station for “refusing to air free coronavirus-awareness adverts.”

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Prime TV’s license was revoked for reportedly refusing to air free coronavirus-awareness adverts.

Josephine Mapoma, Director-General of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (the government body responsible for issuing licences to television and radio stations), said the decision became “necessary in the interest of public safety, security, peace, welfare or good order.”

She also said the TV station is at liberty to appeal against the decision to the ministry of information and broadcasting services. 

Mapoma said:

“The independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Board has with immediate effect cancelled the broadcasting license of Prime TV in public interest,” she said.

“The cancellation is pursuant to Section 29 (1) (i) and (k) of the IBA (amendment) Act of 2010 which provides that the board may cancel a broadcasting license if: ‘the cancellation of the license is necessary in the interest of the public safety, security, peace, welfare or good order. The board considers it appropriate in the circumstance of the ase to do so.’ Please note that with this letter Prime Television is now void and should be surrendered to the authority.

“However, the station is on liberty to appeal against the decision of the board to the Minister of Information and broadcasting services within 30 days. In accordance with Section 31 (1) of IBA amendment Act of 2010.”

Below full statement below:

Zambian government revokes license of popular TV station for ?refusing to air free coronavirus-awareness adverts?