IBA renews 16 broadcasting licenses

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Board has renewed sixteen broadcasting licenses across the country. The renewed licenses include 14 radio stations and two in the television category, comprising seven community radio stations, six commercial and two religious stations…

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Board has renewed sixteen broadcasting licenses across the country.

The renewed licenses include 14 radio stations and two in the television category, comprising seven community radio stations, six commercial and two religious stations respectively.

And the Board has approved applications for three broadcasters to change their licence categories and station names.

 IBA Director General Webster Malido disclosed this in a press statement issued today.

Mr Malido said the renewals and approvals were granted during its 46th Ordinary Board Meeting held recently.

He said that the approvals and renewals of the licenses are a statutory and regulatory requirement in accordance with Section 28 of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (Amendment) Act No. 26 of 2010.

He named the stations whose licenses were renewed as Shekinah Community Radio of Chingola district, Namwianga Community Radio in Kalomo, Salvation Army Radio in Chikankata, Breeze FM Radio in Chipata, Kwenje Community Radio in Chama and Nyimba FM Radio.

Others are PASME Community Radio of Petauke, 945 Metro Sports Radio of Lusaka, Tuta FM Radio in Mansa, Bangweula FM Radio in Samfya, Direct Connect Talk Radio in Lusaka, Kokoliko Radio in Chingola, Kanchibiya FM Radio in Kanchibiya and Chipata’s Radio Maria.

Lumen Television and Strong Technologies Subscription Management Service both of Lusaka are in the television category.

Mr Malido, who also serves as Board Secretary, said all renewed licenses are valid for a period of five years, subject to payment of prescribed fees and continued compliance with the IBA Act, broadcasting guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures.

He stated that the Authority reminds all broadcasting licensees that applications for license renewal, together with all required documentation and prescribed fees, should be submitted at least six months before the expiry of their licenses in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, the Board, pursuant to Section 27 of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (Amendment) Act No. 26 of 2010, approved applications by three broadcasters to change their broadcasting license categories.

Chisamba FM was approved to change its broadcasting licence category from Community to Commercial, while Blessings Miracle Television and Miracle FM Radio changed from Religious Community to Commercial categories.

Mr Malido revealed that Chisamba FM in Chisamba district changed its name to Mwomboshi FM while Blessings Miracle Television in Lusaka district also changed its name to Beacon Media Television.

He said the IBA reiterates its commitment to promoting a professional, diverse and accessible broadcasting sector in the country.

He urged all broadcasting licensees to continue operating in compliance with their licence conditions, the IBA Act, broadcasting regulations, guidelines and programming standards.