IBA to hold compliance hearings on election coverage

The Independent Broadcasting authority (IBA) has called five broadcasting stations for compliance hearings, following its monitoring and regulatory assessment of the coverage of the 2026 general election. In a statement issued to the media IBA Director General Webster Malido…

The Independent Broadcasting authority (IBA) has called five broadcasting stations for compliance hearings, following its monitoring and regulatory assessment of the coverage of the 2026 general election.

In a statement issued to the media IBA Director General Webster Malido revealed that the Authority identified instances of non-compliance involving, among others, broadcasting of unsubstantiated allegations and unverified or potentially misleading information.

Mr Malido added broadcasts of hate speech and tribal content and inadequate editorial challenge of allegations and claims made by guests, including members of the public.

The IBA Director General disclosed that the affected stations have been called for compliance hearings scheduled for Wednesday, September 16 2026.

“The hearing will provide the stations with an opportunity to respond to the findings before the Authority determines the appropriate action,” Mr Malido indicated.

And he reaffirmed the Authorities commitment to promoting responsible broadcasting, while upholding the principles of media freedom and the right to freedom of expression, in accordance with the law and applicable broadcasting standards.