The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) says the Board acted independently when it granted Prime TV a broadcasting licence, and that at no point did the Authority receive any instructions to open the Station.
And IBA has refuted assertions that the Authority was directed by the newly-elected United Party for National Development -UPND- to issue a broadcasting licence to Prime Television.
IBA Director General Josephine Mapoma says there is nothing irregular about the Authority awarding Prime Television a licence in August, 2021.
In a statement to ZNBC News Ms. Mapoma, who is also Board Secretary, has explained that Prime TV applied for a new licence following the advertisement in the press inviting applications for radio and television licences.
She says the licensing process was recently concluded and Prime Television was among the five new stations that met the requirements and were all subsequently awarded Content Service Provider licences.
Ms Mapoma has assured the nation that IBA has a rigorous process of awarding and suspending or cancelling broadcasting licences and this is done autonomously.
She says the IBA remains hopeful that Prime TV will conduct itself professionally and avoid any pitfalls that may put its licence in jeopardy.
Prime TV’s previous licence became void following its cancellation by the Board of the Independent Broadcasting Authority on April 9, 2020 pursuant to Section 29 (1) (j) (k) of the IBA (Amendment) Act No. 26 of 2010.
The decision of the Board was upheld by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services in accordance with section 31 of the IBA (Amendment) Act No. 26 of 2010.
Hahahaha ?
Nonsense. Prime TV license was reinstated the day after the declaration. And that is then independent? This lady just doesn’t want to be replaced by HH. Well, in my book you have done the opposite: you acted on instructions from State House with The Post, Prime TV, Muvi TV etc. Independent? What hypocrisy!
USELESS INSTITUTION AND LEADERSHIP
YES! IBM acted independently when it REINSTATED Prime TV licence BUT did it act independently when it closed Prime TV?
IBA don’t insult people’s intelligence. Would you have done the same thing if Edgar Lungu had won the elections? Stop treating people like small children
…so just a coincidence this happened right after the people’s victory? Interesting. Anyway, where my boy kaizer at? Anyone seen or heard from him?
Just get rid of this woman and dissolve the board…where is Dora you were appeasing?
Insulting the collective intelligence of Zambians. Yes, no one from UPND asked you to reinstate Prime TV, you reacted out of fear, that is not independent! And should we believe the coincidence of granting the licence right after HH was sworn in? The IBA act needs to be amended and must remove cabinet having any influence, the board is made up of people chosen by the President and their decisions must be appealed to the Minister, these are jokes.
*right after HH was declared winner?*
And why was it shut down ???
Institutions have started doing the right thing on their own! How convenient! Then you know the right government is in power. I think with UPND we are headed for sanity in our country. Viva people’s power viva!!
I hope Prime TV sues them for loss of earnings!!
I suppose some chap could have run to Prime TV proprietors and asked them to put in an application quick so that it goes through the paper-trail way of doing stuff. You cannot argue with IBA after that. Unfortunately. I believe IBA should now rigorously look at the grounds on which they issue and withdraw licenses so that it doesn’t even have a semblance of intimidation or infringing freedom of expression.
IBA acted after of fear to appease the incoming regime but its too late mama Josephine Mapoma’s hands are tied.
Aba nabo! Trying to remain relevant. Your time is up.
Fear? bamayo? is the key that opens even the most sophiscated locks
Josephine mapoma and IBA board have shown that they are the worst people to head that institution. By next week we must have independent free minded people in their place.