Government is facilitating the review of the Independent Broadcasting Authority IBA Act of 2022.
Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa says the draft bill has already passed the consultation stage from stakeholders and has been submitted by the technical committee working on the bill to the Ministry of Information and Media.
He said once the cabinet approves, the contents of the bill will shift ownership from interested stakeholders to government position.
The Minister added that the proposals in the draft such as intentions to regulate social media and issuing broadcasting licenses to online media houses are not currently government positions but suggestions from stakeholders stating that the government does not make laws but facilitates for citizens to make laws.
ZANIS reports that Mr Mweetwa was speaking in Lusaka today, when IBA Board chairman Chikosola Chuula and newly appointed Director General Guntila Muleya led a team of officials from the authority in paying a courtesy call on him at his office.
And Mr Mweetwa has tasked the newly appointed Director General of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) to ensure that it fulfills its mandate of promoting and protecting media freedoms in the country while ensuring responsible journalism.
Mr Mweetwa emphasized that the media is a platform through which citizens can enjoy their freedom of speech and expression.
Mr Mweetwa noted that in order for the country to grow its democratic tenets the media has to thrive adding that this is why the new dawn administration has not closed down any media house since assuming office.
Mr Mweetwa said IBA plays a vital role in ensuring that the media landscape is fairly balanced and promotes ethical standards.
He said the experience and expertise of the newly appointed DG Will significantly contribute to the maintenance and credibility of the broadcasting industry in Zambia.
“As we call upon IBA to be cognisant of the government’s policy position to allow genuine media freedoms, it is imperative that the authority within its existing mandate ensure enforcement of the law to see to it that media houses are compliant,” he said
Meanwhile IBA Board chairman Chikosola Chuula said the board has confidence in the newly appointed DG and believes he will lift the authority to its highest level.
He said Mr Muleya has already engaged with the Board, management and staff as he familiarizes with the operations of IBA.
