By Isaac Zulu
Transparency International Zambia has observed unjustified delays, favouritism, lack of transparency and political interference in the licencing of TV and Radio stations.
In a statement to Daily Revelation, TIZ executive director Maurice Nyambe has expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the awarding of licences to TV and Radio stations by the Independent Broadcasting Authority.
“Transparency International Zambia is profoundly disappointed with recent developments related to the allocation of TV and Radio licences by the Independent Broadcasting Authority. We have observed unjustified delays, instances of favouritism, a lack of transparency, and even potential political interference in the licensing process, all of which have the potential to erode public trust and in the independence and fairness of media regulation in Zambia. The most recent cause of concern is the alteration of the release of the date for the names of successful applicants for TV and Radio licences. Applicants who have been eagerly awaiting the results have had their hopes dashed as the release of date has repeatedly been postponed. This sudden change in the timeline, and alterations to the correct procedure of selection such as scraping off the interview stage of the application process in the second call for applications, raises suspicions, and it is vital that the IBA provides a clear and credible explanation for these anomalies,” Nyambe stated. “On 20th October 2023, IBA responded to a query by TI-Z to clarify on the delay of publication of successful TV and Radio licensing applicants. In their response, the Authority stated that although they had not published any names relating to the outcome of applications, both successful and unsuccessful applicants had already been informed of the outcome of their applications. Contrary to this response, TI-Z has had several whistleblowers come forth about not being informed of their status of their applications. Furthermore, it has come to our attention that IBA officials were seen interacting purportedly ‘successful candidates’ even before the official announcement of successful applicants. This is evidenced by photos submitted to TI-Z, which appeared on an official IBA social media platform, but have since been pulled down.”
Nyambe stated that additionally, there were reports that within this very period of waiting, there are alleged politically affiliated applicants who have been receiving offer letters and have commenced construction of studios ahead of other non politically affiliated applicants who have not been contacted yet, saying such actions, if true, not only undermine the integrity of the process but also deepen suspicions of favouritism, corruption, and lack of transparency.
He stated that the conduct by the IBA is a clear abrogation of the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, and further urged the IBA to release the results of successful licence applicants forthwith and, provide a comprehensive explanation for the delays so as to ensure that the process is transparent and free from undue influence.
“IBA’s conduct in this regard is a clear abrogation of Section 21(2) and (3) of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (Amendment) Act number 26 of 2010. While the law is clear on the timeframe within which feedback ought to be given to applicants, the IBA in this case has not done so over a long period of time. It is imperative that IBA acts accordingly to avoid speculation of malpractices around the process and or suspicion of corruption raised,” he stated. “In this regard, TI-Z urges the IBA to release the results of successful licence applicants immediately and provide a comprehensive explanation for the delays, ensuring the process is transparent and free from undue influence. The people of Zambia deserve a media landscape that is characterised by fairness, openness, and independence.”
Nyambe reiterated that there has been some political interference in the issuance of licences for TV and Radio stations, and called for thorough and impartial investigations on concerns raised by Transparency International Zambia.
“One alarming incident involved a civic leader from an office of a particular member of parliament contacting an applicant and questioning their motive for applying for a broadcasting license in their constituency. This raises concerns about why a non IBA official would be in possession of confidential information regarding applications and why they would interfere in the process. Such actions are not only inappropriate but also potentially indicative of political meddling in the media licensing process. Further, they compromise the independence of the media and raise questions about the IBA’s ability to operate without external influence. Section 6 of the IBA Act states that the Authority is not subject to the direction of any other person or authority. This provision means that, in essence, the IBA is an independent regulatory board of radio and television stations in the country. The IBA will have overall regulatory authority over all forms of broadcasting, including that of public service,” stated Nyambe. “TI-Z therefore calls for a thorough and impartial investigation into these concerns. It is essential that the IBA reestablish its credibility by ensuring that the media licensing process is transparent, fair, and free from political interference. The media plays a crucial role in upholding democratic values, and its independence should be safeguarded at all costs. TI-Z remains committed to promoting transparency and integrity in all spheres of public life and will continue to monitor the media licensing process closely.”
