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The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Board has renewed 16 broadcasting licences and approved changes to licence categories and station names for several broadcasters across the country.
The decisions were made during the IBA’s 46th Ordinary Board Meeting after the affected broadcasters met statutory and regulatory requirements under Section 28 of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (Amendment) Act No. 26 of 2010.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, IBA Director-General and Board Secretary, Webster Malido, said the renewed licences would be valid for five years, subject to payment of prescribed fees and continued compliance with broadcasting laws and regulations.
The licences renewed include Shekainah Community Radio in Chingola, Namwianga Community Radio in Kalomo, Salvation Army Radio in Chikankata, Breeze FM in Chipata, Kwenje Community Radio in Chama and Nyimba FM in Nyimba.
Others are PASME Community Radio in Petauke, 945 Metro Sports Radio and Direct Connect (DC) Talk Radio in Lusaka, Tuta FM in Mansa, Bangwela FM in Samfya, Kokoliko Radio in Chingola, Kanchibiya FM in Kanchibiya, Radio Maria in Chipata, Lumen Television in Lusaka and Strong Technologies in Lusaka.
Malido said the licences would remain subject to broadcasters meeting all regulatory requirements throughout the five-year period.
“The IBA remains committed to promoting a professional, diverse and accessible broadcasting sector,” he said.
The Board also approved applications by three broadcasters to change their licence categories.
Chisamba FM was approved to move from the Community category to Commercial, while Blessings Miracle Television (BMTV) and Miracle FM Radio were approved to change from Religious Community to Commercial categories.
The Board further approved changes to the names of two stations. Chisamba FM in Chisamba District will now operate as Mwomboshi FM, while Blessings Miracle Television in Lusaka will be known as Beacon Media Television.
Malido urged all broadcasting licensees to operate within their licence conditions and comply with the IBA Act, broadcasting regulations, guidelines and programming standards.
He also reminded broadcasters to submit licence renewal applications, required documentation and prescribed fees at least six months before existing licences expire.
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