Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has announced the extension of cooling off window for Broadcasting stations for another three months in order to sustain media operations in the country.
IBA Board Chairperson Chikosola Chuula says the initial cooling off window which was issued for three months, has been extended due to the impact of load shedding on Broadcasting stations.
During the IBA end-of-year press briefing, Mr Chuula observed that in 2024, the IBA took significant steps towards improving communication in the country.
He highlighted that the Authority made significant progress in improving Zambia’s broadcasting landscape and made major achievements in the year 2024.
Mr Chuulu commended broadcasting stations for adhering to the guidelines both by the authority and licensees, and that they made a significant improvement in complying with IBA’s regulations.
He said the Government’s three-year tax waiver on importation of broadcasting equipment in 2023, has provided stations both new and existing ones the opportunity to acquire modern high-quality equipment at lower costs.
“The government waiver on customs duty for broadcasting equipment will position Zambia’s broadcasting industry for sustained growth and success in the coming year,” he said
Mr Chuulu noted that the Authority’s strategic activities undertaken this year, were aligned with the 2023-2027 strategic plan objective of enhancing compliance levels and legal mandate of promoting a pluralistic and diverse broadcasting sector in Zambia.
He revealed that Zambia has a total of 256 radio and Tv stations, of which majority of them are community and largely based in rural parts of the country and that the move has helped bridge the information gap in rural areas.
Mr Chuulu further explained that in 2024, the Authority suspended eight broadcasting licenses of which seven were suspended due to non-payment of annual operating fees , while one station was suspended for being off air beyond the legally allowed period.
And Mr Chuulu has said that the IBA is focused on several key strategic priorities such as, digitalizing process by automating system to improve service delivery to the Zambian citizens.
He added that the IBA in 2025 will strengthen internal controls to foster financial prudence and transparency as well as enhancing inspections and content monitoring.
Mr Chuulu further indicated that the Authority will in 2025, develop broadcasting regulations due to anticipated new IBA act, adding that the ongoing repeal and replacement of the IBA and ZNBC acts will require corresponding changes to the existing legal framework.
Meanwhile, the IBA has further announced that starting this year, it will recognize radio and Tv stations that consistently comply with established standards and licensing conditions by awarding them certificates and letters of encouragements.
He said so far, the nominees for 2024, are liberty Community Radio of Mporokoso, Hope Channel of Lusaka, Oblate Liseli of Mongu among others.
