Zambia closes TV, radio stations
This file photo taken on August 10, 2016 in Lusaka shows Zambian Ruling party Patriotic Front presidential candidate and incumbent Zambian President Edward Lungu (centre) dancing and gesturing before delivering a speech during his presidential campaign closing rally. PHOTO | AFP
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Commentators have argued the move was part of the wider crackdown on dissent by the government.
The stations are said to have deliberately breached the broadcasting standard operating procedure and terms of their licences, the authority said.
The authority accused the broadcaster promoting falsehood and impartial news reporting.
LUSAKA, Tuesday
Zambia authorities on Tuesday shut the country’s main private TV station, Muvi TV, and two radio stations for “misconduct”.
But commentators have argued the move was part of the wider crackdown on dissent by the government.
“The Independent Broadcasting Authority Authority (IBA) has revoked the Broadcast Licences of Muvi Television, Komboni Radio and Itezhi Itezhi Radio for wide and flagrant breach of terms of their licences and for broadcasting material that could cause incitement that might break the peace and security of the country,” said a statement issued on Lusaka.
The stations are said to have deliberately breached the broadcasting standard operating procedure and terms of their licences, the authority said.
IMPARTIAL NEWS
The authority accused the broadcaster promoting falsehood and impartial news reporting.
“Muvi is also cited for airing material not suitable to be classified as adverts.
An advert was regularly shown depicting “murdered and blooded victims”.
The advert proceeded to highlight the PF and President Edgar Lungu as the perpetrators,” it said.
It further claimed that Itezhi Itezhi Radio and Komboni Radio stations have been broadcasting inciting material that could endanger communities, make communities rise against one another.
The frequencies of the stations have since been withdrawn.
The Zambian law requires them [stations] to appeal the suspension to the minister of information in three months.
