IBA warns ‘unethical’ broadcasters

By Ann Zulu

THE Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has warned broadcasting stations to desist from unethical and unprofessional practices or risk having their licences suspended or revoked.

                         

IBA chairperson Brigadier General Justin Mutale observed that before, during and after the August 11 general elections, some radio and television stations had conducted themselves in an unprofessional manner, contrary to the provisions of both the IBA Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct.

Brig. Gen Mutale said this was according to the monitoring and sensitization visits conducted by the authority since the commencement of the campaigns.

He noted that some radio stations used staff members to openly campaign for some political parties and candidates.

 “All these were said to be paid for political programmes; the action portrayed the stations as having endorsed such political parties. This is not acceptable and is against broadcasting standards in Zambia, where stations are not allowed to openly endorse political parties or candidates.

“The authority observed that some stations poorly handled programmes which led to people insulting each other and using derogatory remarks against each other and even against the Head of State on air,” Brig. Gen Mutale said.

He also noted that there were some serious levels of inaccuracies, skewed coverage as well as publication of unverified news items by some licensees.

He said such news bulletins promoted disunity in the country.

“Such careless reporting demonstrates a lack of impartiality and professionalism in reporting and has the potential to bring about division and discord in the nation. The authority noted that in some instances, stations’ news titles were in discord with the content in the stories,” he said.

The IBA further stated that licensees increasingly engaged in programme hook-ups without direct permission from the authority, adding that the action made such stations broadcast in areas where they were not licenced, an action which constituted a breach of the IBA Act.

He warned that the authority shall not hesitate to suspend or revoke broadcast licences for those not willing to comply.

“As IBA we expect all radio and television stations to conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner. The IBA Act no. 26 of 2010 provides that “The authority shall, where a broadcasting licensee fails to comply with a notice issued under Sub Section (2) within a specified period of time, suspend the broadcasting licence for a specified period of time or cancel the broadcasting licence,” he said.