GOVERNMENT ISSUES OVER 60 RADIO, TELEVISION LICENCES
13th February, 2024
The New Dawn Government through the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has issued over 60 Radio and Television licences across the country since coming into office.
Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa says this is the largest number ever of broadcasting licenses to have been issued in a single tranche in the history of the IBA.
Speaking in a speech read on his behalf by
Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana during the commemoration of the 2024 World Radio Day in Ndola District toady, Mr. Mweetwa said this has widened and deepened the space for citizens to express themselves on various issues of national importance.
Mr. Mweetwa further said that the country is commemorating the World Radio Day against a backdrop of zero tolerance and zero occurrence of attacks on radio stations by political cadres which were rife under the previous Government.
The Information and Media Minister further said that the Ministry has embarked on the process to repeal and replace the IBA Act No. 17 of 2022and the ZNBC Act Chapter 153 of the laws of Zambia necessitated by among other factors, technological advancements that have taken place since the IBA Act was enacted 10 years ago, as well as the need to transform ZNBC into a public broadcaster.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mweetwa reiterated Government’s unwavering commitment to creating a conducive environment for Radio and the Media in general, to thrive as it is a pre-requisite for deepening the country’s democracy and development.
During the event, several Media practitioners were awarded in different categories for positively contributing to the growth of the Media industry in the country.
The 2024 World Radio Day was celebrated under the theme, “Radio: A century informing, entertaining and educating.”