IBA suspends KBN TV and three other broadcasters for 30 days
The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has suspended KBN TV and three other broadcasters for 30 days, citing election coverage breaches at KBN TV and unpaid annual operating fees at the other stations. The decisions took immediate effect following the IBA Board’s meeting on September 23.
According to a statement issued by IBA Director General Webster Malido, KBN TV faced charges that included “broadcasting of unsubstantiated claims or statements by both guests and hosts,” “failure to present alternative viewpoints” and “failure to provide the right to reply.” The Authority also cited inadequate programme moderation and the use of inappropriate language by a guest on air. In reaching its decision, the Board considered KBN TV’s compliance record, which included four appearances before the Board and six written cautions between 2023 and 2026.
KBN TV must serve the full 30-day suspension. During that period, it is required to train staff in programme moderation and ethical broadcasting and strengthen its editorial guidelines. The IBA said the station may appeal the decision to the Minister of Information and Media within 30 days.
The other suspended broadcasters are 3FM Radio in Chipata, Mungu FM Radio in Mongu and Healing TV in Lusaka. The IBA said the stations had failed to pay their 2026 annual operating fees despite hearings in February and a grace period ending on April 30.
Their suspensions are subject to settlement of the outstanding amounts.
The Authority also cautioned 16 other stations following its election coverage review and directed them to take corrective measures.
“The Authority recognises that freedom of expression is a fundamental constitutional right,” the statement said. “At the same time, the exercise of this freedom in broadcasting carries responsibilities.”
© The People’s Brief | Chileshe Sengwe