INDEPENDENT BROADCASTING AUTHORITY TO INSPECT BROADCAST STATIONS

Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Director General, Josephine Mapoma, has announced a countrywide inspection of all broadcasting stations.

This is according to a report by Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS).

Ms Mapoma has, therefore, urged all television and radio stations to be expectant of inspectors any time.

In a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka, Ms Mapoma stated that when people apply for radio or television licences, they submit programme schedules that they are meant to follow once in operation.

Ms Mapoma said there are guidelines that broadcast stations must follow once licences have been granted to them.

She said the setting up of the IBA will see the commencement in the inspection of stations, one of its functions that have not been very active in the past.

Ms Mapoma charged that all broadcast stations should put their houses in order and follow their licences earnestly.

She said the IBA team commenced their inspections on the Copperbelt where they inspected a number of radio stations which include, Yar FM, Flava FM, and Copperbelt Television Systems.

Ms Mapoma has further warned that all stations that have neglected to renew their broadcast licences should do so by the end of September this year or face suspension of their licences.

She pointed out that the IBA has learnt that there are television and radio stations that have neglected to renew their broadcast licences.

Ms Mapoma, however, noted that there were some impressive actions taking place in the radio industry based on the inspection of broadcast stations on the Copperbelt.

She said she is pleased that there has been growth with some stations being very innovative and certainly moving in the right direction.

Ms Mapoma was, however, quick to mention that there is still a lot of work to be done with other stations and the onus is on them to stay committed to the provisions of their licences and programme schedule.