KBN TV LICENCE SUSPENDED FOR 30 DAYS OVER BREACHES OF 2026 ELECTION

KBN TV LICENCE SUSPENDED FOR 30 DAYS OVER BREACHES OF 2026 ELECTION The Independent Broadcasting Authority, IBA, has suspended the broadcasting licences of four stations over non-payment of annual operating fees and breaches of the 2026 Election Coverage Guidelines. 3FM Radio of Chipata, Mungu FM Radio of Mongu and Healing TV of Lusaka have each […]

KBN TV LICENCE SUSPENDED FOR 30 DAYS OVER BREACHES OF 2026 ELECTION

The Independent Broadcasting Authority, IBA, has suspended the broadcasting licences of four stations over non-payment of annual operating fees and breaches of the 2026 Election Coverage Guidelines.

3FM Radio of Chipata, Mungu FM Radio of Mongu and Healing TV of Lusaka have each been suspended for 30 days for failing to settle their outstanding 2026 annual operating fees, which fell due on 1st January 2026.

Meanwhile, KBN TV has also been suspended for 30 days for breaching the 2026 Election Coverage Guidelines and other broadcasting standards.

The IBA says KBN TV was found to have failed to ensure balanced and objective discussions, aired unsubstantiated and unverified claims, failed to provide alternative viewpoints and the right to reply, and allowed inappropriate language by a guest on air.

The Authority says KBN TV had appeared before the Board four times and received six written cautions between 2023 and 2026 for similar breaches.

KBN TV has been directed to undertake staff capacity-building in programme moderation and ethical broadcasting, while strengthening its editorial policies.

The IBA has also cautioned 16 other stations over breaches identified during its monitoring of the 2026 General Election coverage.

The Authority says the cautioned stations have been directed to undertake corrective measures and submit reports on the actions taken.