THE Law Association of Zambia says the cancellation of Prime TV’s broadcasting licence by the Independent Broadcasting Authority is illegal and was done prematurely with out following the correct channels of the law.
In a statement, the LAZ Council stated that it was saddened and gravely perturbed by the cancellation and questioned whether the action was done in public interest.
“LAZ is deeply saddened and gravely perturbed by the cancellation of Prime Television’s broadcasting licence by the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) on 9th April 2020. In the Press Release issued by the IBA on the said date, the IBA stated that the cancellation of the licence was done in “Public Interest” pursuant to section 29 (1) (j) and (k) of the Independent Broadcasting (Amendment) Act No. 26 of 2010 ( the IBA Act), which stipulates that the Board may cancel a broadcasting licence if, ‘the cancellation of the licence is necessary in the interest of public safety, security, peace, welfare or good order’ or ‘the Board considers it appropriate in the circumstances of the case to do so’,” the statement read.
LAZ observed that the statement issued by IBA did not explain in whose interest it was acting.
“Although the IBA has discretionary powers to cancel any licence that it issues under the IBA Act, LAZ notes that in its Press Release, the IBA did not go further to explain to the public, in whose interest the decision was professedly taken, the basis of the decision, the security and peace concerns as well as other circumstances in issue and whether the IBA itself had complied with the entire provisions of section 29 of the IBA Act, which stipulates in section 29 (2) that:Where a broadcasting licensee does not comply with this Act or with the conditions of the broadcasting licence, the Authority shall notify the broadcasting licensee of the measures that the broadcasting licensee should undertake, within a specified period to comply with the conditions of this Act or the broadcasting license.’,” read the statement.
“Furthermore, section 29 (3) of the Act stipulates that: The authority shall, where a broadcasting licensee fails to comply with a notice issued under subsection (2), within a specified period of time suspend the broadcasting licence for a specified period of time or cancel the broadcasting licence.More importantly, perhaps, section 29 (7) of the IBA Act stipulates in mandatory terms that:The Board shall, before cancelling or suspending a broadcasting licence under this section, give the broadcasting licensee an opportunity to be heard.In view of the above provisions of the IBA Act and the contents of the Press Release issued by the IBA on 9th April 2020, LAZ is of the view, and did establish from Prime TV, that the IBA never issued any notice or warning to Prime TV, as required by Section 29 (2) of the IBA Act and that the IBA did not go further to avail Prime TV an opportunity to be heard. Accordingly, LAZ is of the view that the conduct of the IBA in cancelling the licence for Prime TV was done prematurely and contrary to the clear provisions of the law.”
LAZ stated that the timing of the cancellation of Prime TV’s licence raised a lot of speculation and reasonable doubts about the independence and professionalism of the IBA as Prime TV recently had a dispute with government over the broadcasting of COVID-19 announcement.
“LAZ is also of the view that the action and conduct of the IBA is an affront to the freedom of the media and an assault on the democratic right of freedom of expression. With the recent decision by the Government to stop all government officers from dealing with Prime TV owing to Prime TV’s reported decision not to allow the government to air any COVID-19 announcements on Prime TV and the removal of Prime TV from the TopStar platform, the timing of the cancellation of Prime TV’s licence raises a lot of speculation and reasonable doubts about the independence and professionalism of the IBA in this matter,” read the statement.
“This is a serious concern for the future of the private media in Zambia especially as the nation heads towards the 2021 Presidential and General Elections. LAZ further adds that the decision and action of the IBA is untimely and extremely unfortunate especially when the nation is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic which needs to be combated through concerted efforts of both the private and public media.”
The association also noted with concern the commandeering of the Prime TV premises and offices by Zambia police officers when the matter was a civil matter and not a criminal case.
” LAZ is also seriously concerned by the reported commandeering of the Prime TV premises and offices by Zambia Police officers as reported by MUVI TV on 9th April 2020. LAZ is alarmed by the fact that though the IBA did not order Prime TV to close, the Zambia Police officers appear to have taken control of private premises of a private television station without a court order and without any evidence of any criminal activities perpetrated by Prime TV officers or employees following the cancellation of its licence. The cancellation of Prime TV’s licence is a civil matter and should not be turned into a criminal case without adherence to the dictates of the relevant law,” read the statement.
“LAZ also condemns any heavy-handedness and blatant breach of the law by any authority or law enforcement agency especially that it appears that the actions against Prime TV are premised on mere differences in opinions. It is LAZ’s firm position that in a democratic society such as ours, it is not necessary for everyone to sing and dance to one song. Diversity in opinions does not weaken but rather strengthens us and must be encouraged and espoused if we are to grow even more as a society.”
LAZ further called on IBA to rescind it decision as the cancellation of Prime TV was illegal.
“LAZ therefore calls on the IBA to immediately rescind its illegal decision to cancel the licence for Prime TV and to allow Prime TV to start operating in accordance with the law. To this effect, LAZ demands that both the IBA and Zambia Police should allow Prime TV’s proprietors, officers and staff to access and control Prime TV’s premises with immediate effect,” the statement read.
12 Responses
And what does the insolence of Shawa amount to?
I stand with IBA. Insolence has no place in our society. He can use LAZ’s License if they condone the insolence Shawa exhibited towards the PS. Say something please.
Every dog has its day. For those who continue to celebrate mediocrity and think they will get away with it. We shall see what you’re made of- 2021 is around the corner and mark the silence of the Zambian people and foolish people will take it for granted and think they are safe. Watch the space ba kembo!!
Why am I not surprised ? LAZ is an opposition party hiding in a legal entity. Always critical of government no matter what is done even in the interest of the nation. You were enjoying the insolence and stupidity of Prime TV simply because they were attacking your perceived opponent. You never condemned their undemocratic tendency and not adhering to media ethics of non bias in their reporting. So today you want to masquerade as champions of rights and democracy ? Shame on you
Mr writer sir I. Your previous article
We where not enlighten ed on where the kafue man could have possibly got the corona virus ?so hoe possible is to to do the tree tracking method on such a case?
The families of the health workers n all who might have gotten into contact with them have they also been tested
Its wrong act what IBA and Government has done to Prime TV you cant say Prime tv showed forms of insolence when they were reporting for the ordenaly zambian giving all Zambians a platform to air their views to government, now because of the you say its insolence. That’s insanity thinking
Reading the comments, I am convinced that some of us Zambians have a very strange syndrome worse than the one found in apes. They can as well praise those that would come and grab your wife and property, and they’ll accuse you of being insolent when you resist.
We really have some people that have cursed blood, and to them sense is nonsense.
We now have an opposition political party called LAZ which is always opposing the government in Zambia.
Fred you are very right. Corona is a war which does not exclude Prime TV orLAZ. The whole man kind is in danger. I wish they can experience Corona with out dying so that they can tell us how rights and freedom can save them. Be wise
Coronavirus is going to sweep zambia if international flights continue flying in and out of zambia. This is what happened to other countries it started with 2 death then the numbers jumped 1000’s. Please stop international flights!
These chaps are wedded to heavy handedness and brutality! Democracy is anathema to them!
This is mediocre thinking on the part of dull pf carders how can a properly thinking being say insolence? Insolence for what? Listen from learned lawyers the way they are interpreting the law. 1.prime tv was not heard, section 29(7) in short refer to all sub sections of section 29 LAZ has clearly explained to you how the law is supposed to be followed by IBA you small minded carders twapapata. LAZ has gone further to say this is not a criminal case for police to be excited about NO its a civil case. Any way ubu ubupuba bwalapwa uyu mwaka uleisa 2021