Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dora Siliya says people must first understand the report on why the Independent Broadcasting Authority suspended the broadcasting licence for Prime Television before they can comment on the issue.
Ms Siliya who is also Chief Government spokesperson explained that IBA is mandated to regulate broadcasting media houses so that they operate within the law and adhere to the professional code of ethics.
The Minister said she is still waiting for the report on the suspension of Prime Television licence from IBA before she can comment.
The Minister was speaking at a press briefing in her office today.
She further explained that the presence of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo does not compromise the appeal process as the Permanent Secretary is a member of the IBA Board by virtue of his office.
The Minister has however advised media houses aggrieved with the decision by IBA to appeal to her office as the law provides for appeals.
Ms. Siliya advised media houses to adhere to the law adding that government will not be selective in applying the law.
And Ministry of information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary, Chanda Kasolo explained that IBA acted within the law to suspend the licence for Prime Television and the decision was not politically motivated.
Mr. Kasolo further explained that in the absence of the IBA Board, Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary acts as IBA Board Chairperson and the IBA Director General acts as Board Secretary saying his presence at the IBA press briefing should not be misunderstood.
And Ms Siliya has called on the church mother bodies to be proactive in offering advice on national issues than making statements that hinge on politics.
On the reduction of fuel prices, the Minister said the move is aimed at sharing economic gains achieved with the Zambian people.
Ms. Siliya hopes public transporters can also pass on the gain to the public.
And on the Constitution process, the Minister said the political system of the country mandates those elected to work on behalf of the people and offer support to Government.
She said Government can only encourage everyone to support the process.
She further said Government cannot continue to be spending money on reviews of the document any further.
On Monday, the IBA suspended operating licences for Prime television, Valley FM and revoked operating licences for Kafue FM and Ngoma Radio station for non-compliance.
Meanwhile, Prime Television Management has written to Minister of Information, Dora Siliya to appeal against the 30 days suspension of their broadcasting license by the Independent Broadcasting Authority.
Company Managing Director Gerald Shawa said a suspension is not the only remedy available to address what the IBA termed as unprofessional practice by the Television Station.
Mr. Shawa has requested that the ministry to review the IBA Action and reduce it to a warning with specific guidelines as has been the practice with others before.
And the United States Embassy in Lusaka has called for the reversal of Prime Television’s Ban.
In a statement, the US Embassy said the United States remains a staunch advocate for inherent human freedoms around the world and like others is concerned over the Independent Broadcast Authority’s decision to suspend Prime TV’s broadcasting license.
It said the fundamental freedoms of speech and the press are critical for the advancement of a vibrant democracy.
The said the United States finds the suspension of Prime TV’s license counterproductive to upholding these principles, and encourages an urgent reconsideration of this action.
The reason is known long time. PF effort to silence critics.
Dora should understand why CNN is not closed by Trump administration. Or why Fox was not closed by Obama administration.
She is Delusional
Thanks
BB2014,2016
Reflection
PF Secretary General Davis Mwila has told cabinet ministers and PF members of parliament that they will go to prison if they don’t work hard to win the 2021 general elections.
Speaking during the Luapula Province party mobilisation launch which was broadcast on Prime TV, Mwila said Luapula Province should save ministers and members of parliament from going to prison.
“Here in Luapula, we have a lot of support. We have 100 per cent support, but you bring five constituencies with 90,000 votes. Our friends (UPND) one constituency is 90,000 even if it’s in the village. Why are you not voting? That is why I am telling you that if you play, you will cry,” Mwila said.
“… All the cells will be full. All these people you see behind me will be in cells. Abena Chitalu (health…
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… Abena Chitalu (health minister) (you) will not see him. So you ministers and MPs, don’t think this is a joke. This is serious business, are you listening you ministers. This battle we are in is not for playing, that is why them (UPND) when you see they are telling lies and you listen. So you MPs, councillors stop being selfish.”
He said the party needed serious mobilisation to maintain its strength in Luapula.
Mwila said the to do this, the party had given 120 bicycles to each constituency in Luapula with additional school books branded with President Edgar Lungu’s portrait.
But UPND deputy secretary general Patrick Mucheleka, in a statement, stated that the confession by the PF leadership in Luapula Province just confirmed that they were “dead scared” since they were…
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… since they were massively looting public resources while committing other crimes against the Zambian people.
“With their usual divisive messages, the PF leadership led by SG Davies Mwila are busy campaigning in Luapula Province, telling people to work hard and retain PF in power or risk being imprisoned. We all know that only law breakers end up in cells, and if convicted, in prisons,” stated Mucheleka.
“They know that they are thieves and very corrupt, yet only a small clique of them are enjoying their ill-gotten gains. They are basically pronouncing themselves guilty and now want our good people of Luapula Province to save them through the ballot.
Earlier during the same PF mobilisation launch, the PF leadership took turns attacking Bahati member of parliament Harry…
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… Bahati member of parliament Harry Kalaba.
Luapula province minister Nickson Chilangwa, who was coordinating the programme, asked Mwila to ensure that the central committee speed up the disciplinary process for Kalaba.
“Let me take this opportunity to ask you ba SG that through you, we ask that the central committee speeds up the process of disciplinary (action) against Kalaba. We have by elections for councillors here, but soon even elections for MP in Bahati. Let Kalaba go,” said Chilangwa while addressing Mansa Central MP Chitalu Chilufya as Bahati MP.
Hon Siliya should know that Zambians are not fools.
Shawa sounds repentant but I wonder whether SIMUWE is. You tuma organizations in Zambia reduce tribalism in your organisations to minimize and enhance a balance of diversity of opinions.
#1.7 Thorn
Tell that to PF and Lungu
Please explain why. Did you put out a statement to explain why the TV station was shut down?
@1.8 Spaka
I meant ALL organizations and groupings.
ALL is ALL.
Nxaaah, they think by closing Prime TV Zambians will revert to watching DeadNBC.
THIS IS HOW PF WANTS PRIME TV TO BE OPERATING :
19:30hrs President Edgar chagwa says Zambia is now heaven on earth .
19:35hrs His worship Lusaka mayor miles sampa has vowed to fight mukolwe wa hybrid..
19:40 PF SG Davies mwila has ordered LCC not to arrest vendors.
19:45hrs minister of finance magret mwanakatwe says the economy is performing better now..
19:50 Over 5000 upnd and Ndc members defect to the ruling party.
19:55 Southern chiefs vows to work with the government of the day.
20:00 hrs news break political adverts ( Vote for PF in bahati and roan constituencies for continued development)
20:05hrs kambwili not eligible to contest roan constituency
20:10hrs HH might face another arrest for…
CONT’D…
20:10hrs HH might face another arrest for attempting to block presidential motor Cade.
20:15hrs Harry kalaba stole public funds and may soon face arrest..
20:20 hrs News analysis ( Anto.nio mw.anza and Sun.day Chan.da on the panel)
20:40hrs sports news (government to sponsor athletes).
20: 45hrs Zambia will face Malawi, president lungu will be in attendance..
20:50 hrs news ends
Venus M,
Criticism should have a factual basis not bitterness. Prim TV is not worth watching by any sensible person as it’s agenda is to decampaign PF on the basis of HH’s lies.
And have you Dora understood why it should not have been suspended before commenting?
@Maloza That is exactly journalism as taught by Dora Siliya and Josephine Mapoma Lol
@Sober Zambian, factual basis not bitterness! The fact is that what is happening is a result of bitterness. Don’t tell me that PF has already healed from Sesheke bye-election lose.
‘….And the United States Embassy in Lusaka has called for the reversal of Prime Television’s Ban.‘
Good, ban the little stations that were giving Lungu the little cover as democratic .
ambassador footie , we told you Lungu is a budding mugabe image…..
My footie! Lungu will go in a disastrous way, never seen in the history of any African country. He will be treated like Former Laurent Gbagbo. even worse. He will have brought this on himself!
America should be the last Country to talk about freedom of the press seeing their reaction to murder Jamal in Turkey to which their president and cabinet have done anything to punish Saudi Arabia.
Africa should question the role of The West’s diplomatic embassies in its countries. How can the American Ambassador even voice an opinion on a sovereign countries efforts to ensure order in their society? Ours is a fledgling society in the modern age, unprofessional conduct by the media can lead to loss of life. Look at what it led to in the Rwanda Genocide. Prime TV should be used as an example to curb media abuse that is rife in Zambia currently and has brought divisions in a country known for peace. They should have been suspended for 3 months so the message stews in the minds of all who do the right thing. To the Ambassador, your government has its own problems with the media, leave us to handle our own. Let this be the last time you comment on this. Honorable Dora and IBA, Good Job…
The USA has contributed close to $800 million to Zambia since Lungu has been in power, and a condition of that aid is open democracy badala….
Don’t take their aid and no one will bother
What????????? America is supplementing your national budget every year and is supporting nearly every project in Zambia and claim to be sovereign? Bull sh!t
Has the US taken up the responsibility of regulating media in Zambia?? Our parliament, the one voted in by Zambians from all corners of the country, created IBA for that function. US should not subvert and undermine the will of Zambians and our institutions.
I have told you dummies the same thing when the so called corporating partners voice their concern about something…the money they give you comes from their taxpayers which has to justified…they have vested interests get that in your tin!!
Watch “ZAMBIA MASQUERADING AS A CHRISTIAN NATION – PRINCESS KASUNE” on YouTube
If she had any brains…she would have referred matters to IBA but since they are pulling the strings she can’t help herself.
This is why its important to have educated smart people as leaders…look what dull SG Mwila has caused.
If I was an opposition SG I would have sarcastically written to IBA complaining about ZNBC …
Very true Jay Jay. If she had brains she would have referred the matter to IBA. As it is now she is just revealing that IBA is her tool and therefore PF’s tool.
…… Next, please also close The Zambian Watchdog, Zambian Observer, Zambian Eye And News Diggers for good. Their bitter one sided reporting has fueled tribal divisions and fake alarmist news. Very unprofessional and distasteful publications,
Shut the internet ……
Hehehehehe…..
And so, the US ambassador is telling us that its part of democracy when a radio station becomes part of the scheme to a point of even twisting facts so that people can rise against a legitimate government. Did the ambassador first acquaint himself with reasons why IBA decided to suspend the station or its the issue of natural selection? Trump has beef with CNN he publicly rebuked the reporter, why didn’t the ambassador reminded Trump was wrong to say what he said in the name of free press. free press does not me inciting.
Did trump shut down cnn like Lungu has done ???
What do you think has happened when Trump revoked White House pass for the CNN reporter…he was back in the White House. ..let to critically analyse issues.
Davis Mwila needs to be replaced as SG of the PF. The worst thing to ever hold that office. IBA might be right in what they are doing, but Davis Mwila always finds a way to make the president look bad.
Lungu needs and commands thugs like Mwila….Lungu is the biggest thug hiding behind dullards like Mwila
Who is going to remove him? A coward chancer like Lazy Lungu…really laughable
They shut down prime tv because the tv station had raw footage of PF and police attack on UPND , prime tv threatened to release the unedited footage, that is what PF called the
“potential to cause civil unrest “
CNN has been regulated by U.S government Trump administration almost closedown it.In France ,Canada and Others NATO states CNN was closed down completely.That was due political machinations by U.S government.
Last December, I went to U.S.A to see my wife and children,on their TV satellites bouquets aljeezela was also removed .For years U.S.government has been advocating to remove PRESS TV of Iran off world terrestrial Television satellites.
UPND don’t think that are dull .
But you, is aljezira or press tv American ??
And don’t lie, trump can never shut down an independent station
This is the poor reading culture we talk about..where has Trump closed down CNN…don’t listen to your drunk cadres in the tavern read read read read yourself
Mr. P.–Do not tell lies. No wonder you live far away away from your family.
I think he is implying that those were probably sensored in America. It is possible to sensor them but closing them down, not possible. But in a case of Zambia we are not doing ourselves an favour by shutting down these media houses because they are the only ones who give us the other side of the story. At least they are not as much controled as state owned. The decision was retrogressive, Doro and her cronies know that very well. If they were in opposition they would not have liked it too.
MR P YOU MIGHT THINK WE ARE ALL STUPID WE ARE NOT !!!!!!! USA HAS NOT CLOSED DOWN ANY TV OR RADIO STATION !!!!!!!!!! YOU OBVIOUSLY BELONG TO THE PF WITH THE LIES YOU ARE TELLING
Useless response.
Does USA embassy have any protocals followed by other diplomats from other countries? I recall there was an ambassordor who was deported for siding with Members political party’s launch. Is American ambassodor immune or do we have a seperate protocal for USA and another protocal for the rest of the world?
@Chendabusiku, Americans call a spade spade. Democracy has no holiday.
Article from UK ‘Express’ Newspaper
BBC BIAS under REVIEW as Ofcom regulator concerned over impartiality
THE BBC is being kept under scrutiny by British regulatory authority Ofcom following bias claims over Brexit and fears some of its current affairs programmes don’t “reflect in-depth investigative journalism”.
The “depth” and impartiality of the news programmes of the BBC is under review. The Ofcom probe was launched yesterday after being announced in late 2018. The regulator is looking into whether the broadcast remains a “trusted destination for audiences” even as the national debate become more and more polarised with Brexit.
In its first annual report on the BBC, Ofcom said: “We will look at the range and depth of analysis in news and current affairs, across all…
That is what IBA needs to do to znbc , but the IBA and znbc are both PF organs
Continued Article from UK ‘Express’ Newspaper
……… across all platforms, and how this compares with other UK news providers.”
the regulator voiced its concerns regarding a noted increase in the proportion of panel-style current affairs programmes, which Ofcom said “do not tend to reflect in-depth investigative journalism”.
Even regular viewers seem to be concerned over the impartiality of BBC, the report highlights, with just 61 percent of regular BBC News TV viewers rated its news output highly for providing impartial news, the report said.
Ofcom said: “BBC needs to lead the way in providing trustworthy news and current affairs content across all platforms, to help UK audiences engage effectively with the world around them.
@ 12 Night cruiser , Of course a poor
country like Zambia ( or perhaps Sh..hole country? ) , will have different protocols for the US ambassador to that of the Cuban ambassador , just like IBA has different protocols for state and private media . ..We have to fear sanctions you see. You don’t mess with Uncle Sam.
Even the British have their own issues with rogue broadcasting as can be evidenced in the above News Article printed today. As for the Americans I won’t even bother to expound on it because it’s on record, that their President calls the Press ‘Enemies of the State’ they have succeeded in dividing the country on racial and political grounds with biased reporting. So let their Ambassadors to Zambia leave us alone to deal with rogue reporting in Zambia in our own way and stop behaving holier than though. In Africa it’s a matter of life and death.
Were do the British shut down U.K. tv stations naimwe , the press is free to criticise the government as they wish…and trump can call who ever he wants as enemies but can not shut down any station
This what happens when vote for self centered people. Next time vote wisely.
@Peter, your being economical, they are called thieves. Even the SG fears that after 2021 there be no space for them in jails.
It stays shut, Prime TV will remain shut for the stipulated 30 days. And if they lose their appeal to the minister, the susoension must be extended, maybe up to 2021 October.
Yes very good, keep It shut, these were the chaps giving Lungu legitimacy , when donner countries see them , they think Zambia is democratic
For those that think we should bend over backwards on our standards because of money sooner or later that attitude will result in you bending over all the way.
U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell is leading the Trump administration’s initiative to end the criminalization of homosexuality across the globe, U.S. officials have confirmed to NBC News.
Grenell—himself an openly gay man—will host a strategy dinner on Tuesday evening in Berlin alongside leading European LGBTQ activists, which will include discussions of a multi-phase approach to eradicating punishment for homosexuality in Middle East, African and Caribbean countries.
Give them back their tax payers money and don’t take any more from them going forward , simples ……
With due respect to Hon Minister Dora Siliya. Why should she stop people from commenting on the suspension of Prime TV License before ” they understand” the reason why meanwhile she also has not received a report yet? Yaba.
I have only watched Prime TV three times and from places where patrons request for it. Yes I observed like people like Kalani and Mark Simuwe are too excited and emotional but are these people Journalists? I doubt. Why then make others suffer. Is it a matter of Collateral damage? Hon Siliya should work at making ZNBC accessible to opposing views. Otherwise we will have a number of media institutions like Prime TV coming up. The reason why we have rogue media houses is because a human being always looks for an option. Hon Siliya. Open up state controlled media to oppossing views. You will not have such issues.
Yea, only if ZNBC can be like SABC; INDEPENDENT AND IMPARTIAL
A fart from the mouth is different from the fart from down there. But for Dora there is no difference.
The donner aid countries have all the right to comment on where their tax payers money is being used, could be used to shut down independent media.
I am a tax payer in the U.K. and will be raising this issue with my MP , I want assurances my tax money is not being given as aid to Zambia only to be used to clam down on free media.
For those who pay tax in the U.K. , write to your MP to make sure your tax money is not used for democratic suppression
www writetothem dot com
You suffer from acute inferiority complex that’s typical of UPND sycophants and zealots and enemies of progress and your leader HH of the UPND who has hidden the privatisation loot in the paradise papers will never rule Zambia because of his greedy and bitterness
Why ?
Because I am against these crackdowns on democracy by Lungu and PF ??
I don’t give a toss if HH never rules , as long as voters are not subjected to PF violence and cohesion and vote of their free will
Shame on you thief’s
Comment: This is what happens allowing selfish and ignorant people in certain position i think its great time to fight for what is ours #ignorance is taking over
Dora is saying the same things that Kambwili used to say about private media. Where is Kambwili today? Lift the suspension of Prime TV broadcast, that’s the only channel where we get to hear the whole truth, not the ZNBC propaganda. We all know that it is not IBA behind this suspension but PF.Everybody is condemning the suspension.Infact ZNBC should have been the one to be suspended because of biased coverage against the opposition
Prime TV goes beyond the truth! Mu zamuziba Yesu due to their inciting reporting. Even before PF came, UPND has been a common denominator for violence and loosing elections! Junior citizens do not know and understand how and why KK kept us peacefully!
Why is this Government embarrassing itself. We have ministers and advisors who can’t advise the Head of State on how to build the image of the country. Dora! you are destroying our Country,stop it. We are a small economy (GDP $22,000,000) which can easily be disturbed by your actions. The citizens are over taxed, currently businesses are failing to pay employees therefore if Donors reduce funding it will not affect you. You still go for holidays in USA with your Congolese boy friend. Don’t blame the Head of State. She is cadre
you must learn to understand things. the majority have observed and seen that its wrong to close the prime tv station but you say its them who dont understand . who are you and who do you think you are . listen and get advised please. dont be emotional
Its not good to support bad things, the prime TV guys are owes against good things which the government is doing. lets appreciate peace which we are enjoying.
CHISALENI TABOMFWA THEY SHUOLD SHOW MATURITY AND PROFETIONALISM THEY WANT TO BRING RWANDA HERE,VIVA SILIYA
I was a victim of Prime TV when they amended my SMS to suite UPND during a live program. The best I did was complain to IBA and thank God IBA is spot on! Keep it up IBA to avoid genocide pa Zed!
What is IBA for,this is the work of IBA EPOBAFOLELA imwee guys cool it,siliya is ok by closing Prime TV infact it as been long overdue.IBA do your work and forget about the critics,be strong and bold like a lion viva siliya viva IBA.
Iwe what are you sabailaling? If IBA was to do its work DeadNBC should be closed. Its a one eyed body led by a failed MMD activist who had no job so she is very loyal to Lungu
Read the report also before you comment. Taste of your own medicine..
Siliti is a shallow and pathetic character. Its a wonder she believes the drivel that comes out of her mouth defending the indefensible and an insult to the intelligence of the Zambian people. This inept and corrupt lot have done their time and do not deserve to hold position they occupy in government. It is little wonder the nation has regressed the way it has because of uninspired narrow – minded leadership of Dora’s ilk! Unfortunately, they are in the majority in this government.
Why is press association of Zambia mute?DeadNbc news at the moment chokes.Zambians just watch there country is quickly being eaten up by Pf.At the moment even in a shopping malls you are being told to buy a plastic bag to put your little groceries.is this the Zambia has come to be?
Dont you know why we have to buy plastic bags naiwe? Its to avoid littering or pollution
Nothing lasts forever
Ba ndeloleshya fye muli bana bambwa fye imwe.Spaka bauze bamvesese
To all Journalists, be brave and report the facts as they are.
==>Firing live bullets and tear gassing defenseless villagers in their huts is brutal.
==>Firing Police Officer arresting PF Paga youths is unfair.
==>UPND witchcraft using lightening and bees is unacceptable.
Capture and report on TV, newspapers, Facebook and share on whatsapp to inform our people.
Criminal misconduct and Justice or injustice must be seen by all at all costs.
NAME AND SHAME WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR.
Dora, Dora, Dora, Dora, …..awe sure
Dora, Dora, Dora, Dora, …..awe sure
Appeal to your office when you have stated your position already .Is there any chance from you overturning the decision from Ba kaponya .
Whatever Prime Tv has done, Let us think of the alternatives, their revenue per month could be US $1m, and contractual obligations as US $400 000 per month, so fine them US $2m, so that IBA could be have finances to monitor other activities with other TV stations. Bans cost more finance for the organisation to enforce them, but fines raise revenue for the Board.- state!