IBA Lifts Suspension of Muvi Television Broadcasting Licence
PRESS STATEMENT
Lusaka, 12th September 2016 – The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Board has today 121h September 20161ifted the suspension of the Broadcasting Licence for MUVI TV with immediate effect. The decision was made during a Special Board meeting following a hearing accorded to the station this morning.
The IBA Board suspended MUVI TV Broadcasting Licence on 22nd August 2016 on basis of in contravention of the IBA Act provision Section 29(1) (j) of the IBA Act of 2010.
The public may wish to know that following the suspension of the broadcasting license, the station opted to challenge the decision of the Board by seeking an injunction in the High Court to stay the decision of the Board and at the same time appealed to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services against the action of the Board.
However, the High Court, dismissed the injunction to stay the decision of the Board on 1st September 2016, and threw out the appeal against the decision of the Board on account that the procedure as prescribed in the IBA Act had not been exhausted.
Following the High Court ruling, Muvi TV requested for an amicable settlement of the matter, resulting in the withdrawal of their appeal to the Minister. The IBA Board considered the request and granted the station a hearing this morning.
During the hearing, Muvi TV admitted the flouting of their in-house editorial policy by some members of staff resulting in the production of some unfair and unbalanced content during the election period.
Muvi Television also submitted that following the suspension of the licence, Muvi TV management had undertaken an internal review and investigations, after which they instituted disciplinary and professional measures to avert similar conduct.
Muvi TV further regretted any harm and embarrassment the misconduct may have caused and rendered its unconditional apology to the IBA Board.
The station had assured the IBA Board that with the institution of an editorial committee to oversee the editorial processes Muvi TV will strive to ensure professional conduct and ethical broadcast practices.
On account of their submission, the IBA Board considered Muvi TV ‘s appeal for leniency and the lifting of the suspension of the broadcasting licence.
In this regard, the IBA Board has lifted the suspension of MUVI TV broadcasting licence with immediate effect.
However, the Authority wishes to remind all its licensees to put the interest of the public and nation first before any other interests as they carry out their work by not only observing the IBA Act but any other laws of the land.
The IBA on its part shall endeavour to promote a pluralistic broadcasting industry in Zambia through fair, transparent and effective regulation.
BRIGADIER GENERAL JUSTIN MUTALE (RTD) BOARD CHAIRPERSON
INDEPENDENT BROADCASTING AUTHORITY
The press release is downloadable at: Press Release – 12 September 2016 Document .
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