Zambia’s broadcasting authority suspends five radio, two television stations for failing to pay 2025 licence fees

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Board has with immediate effect suspended broadcasting licences for five radio stations and two television stations over non-payment of the 2025 annual operating fees.

The affected but unnamed stations are located in Copperbelt (2), Central (1), Southern (1), Lusaka (2), and Eastern (2) Provinces.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, IBA Acting Director General, Susan Ndumingu, said annual operating fees were due on January 1 each year, in line with Section 22 (4) and (5)(c) of the IBA (Amendment) Act No. 26 of 2010.

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“The stations have been suspended after the Authority exhausted all laid-down procedures as outlined in the Guidelines for Enforcement and Handling of Compliance Breaches,” Ndumingu stated.

She explained that the affected stations had 30 days to settle all outstanding fees, after which the suspension will be lifted upon full payment.

Ndumingu warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period could lead to permanent cancellation of licences.

“The IBA remains committed to ensuring compliance with the law and promoting a professional broadcasting industry that upholds accountability and sustainability,” she added.

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