The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has described 2024 as a year of resilience and progress, marked by significant achievements and formidable challenges. Despite facing unexpected setbacks, including the tragic murder of its director-general, Guntilla Muleya, in July, the authority made remarkable strides in strengthening Zambia’s broadcasting industry.
IBA Board Chairperson Chikosola Chuula, speaking at the end-of-year press briefing, acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the authority’s accomplishments in improving compliance, licensing, and regulatory frameworks.
Strengthening Compliance and Regulation
One of the major milestones in 2024 was the enforcement of the Guidelines for the Enforcement and Handling of Compliance Breaches, launched in 2023. These guidelines enhanced regulatory oversight, leading to improvements in key areas such as:
- Renewal and display of broadcasting licenses
- Payment of license and annual operating fees
- Infrastructure development in broadcasting houses
- Security measures for broadcasting premises
- Quality and compliance of content aired by stations
The authority also noted advancements in broadcast sound and picture quality, attributing these improvements to the government’s three-year tax waiver on broadcasting equipment, introduced in 2023.
“The government’s waiver on customs duty for broadcasting equipment has already shown signs of creating a more viable, competitive, and technologically advanced broadcasting sector, positioning Zambia’s broadcasting industry for sustained growth,” Mr. Chuula stated.
Licensing and Expanding Broadcasting Reach
IBA continued its mission of expanding the broadcasting sector, increasing access to information across Zambia. While no new frequency advertisements were issued in 2024, stations licensed in 2023 were fully authorized to begin operations. Additionally, three new licenses were granted following successful appeals to the Minister of Information and Media.
Another milestone was the regularization of Radio France International (RFI) operations in Zambia and the extension of Voice of America (VOA) coverage to Kitwe.
By the end of 2024, Zambia had 190 radio stations and 66 television stations, bringing the total number of licensed broadcasters to 256. Many of these radio stations serve rural communities, playing a crucial role in bridging the information gap between urban and remote areas.
Capacity Building and Compliance Workshops
To improve compliance levels, IBA conducted training workshops for 104 broadcasting stations across eight provinces, reaching approximately 200 participants. These workshops covered:
- Journalism basics and media ethics
- Operational efficiency and content moderation
- Compliance with broadcasting regulations
This initiative aimed to ensure that broadcasting stations operated professionally and adhered to legal and ethical standards.
Enforcement of Compliance: Breaches, Suspensions, and Cancellations
IBA recorded 89 cases of non-compliance in 2024. The most common breaches included:
- Non-payment of annual operating fees (21 stations)
- Violations related to broadcasting infrastructure (17 stations)
- Content moderation issues, including hate speech and misinformation (6 cases)
As a result, IBA took enforcement actions, ensuring strict adherence to broadcasting laws. Eight broadcasting licenses were suspended, mainly due to non-payment of fees, but seven stations met the conditions for reinstatement.
Additionally, three stations voluntarily surrendered their licenses due to financial struggles, while two television stations withdrew after failing to meet their obligations to TopStar for signal distribution.
Challenges in 2024: Power Deficits and Financial Constraints
One of the biggest hurdles in 2024 was Zambia’s electricity crisis, caused by prolonged drought conditions. The energy shortfall led to frequent and extended power outages, severely disrupting broadcasting operations. To mitigate the impact, IBA introduced a “Cooling-off Window”, allowing stations to power down between midnight and 06:00 hours to reduce operational costs. This intervention has been extended until February 2025.
Additionally, broadcasting stations faced declining revenues due to reduced advertising budgets, forcing many stations to operate under financial strain. These challenges highlighted the need for alternative energy solutions, such as solar power, to sustain operations.
Strategic Focus for 2025
Looking ahead, IBA has outlined several priorities for 2025:
- Digitizing Processes – Automating regulatory services to enhance efficiency
- Strengthening Internal Controls – Improving financial transparency
- Enhancing Compliance Monitoring – Conducting more inspections and content assessments
- Increasing Public Awareness – Expanding IBA’s visibility through stakeholder engagement
- Developing New Broadcasting Regulations – Aligning with the anticipated repeal and replacement of the IBA Act
The upcoming repeal of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Act and Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Act will require adjustments to existing regulations, ensuring a modern and responsive legal framework for the media sector.
IBA Recognition Awards: Promoting Compliance Excellence
To encourage industry-wide adherence to best practices, IBA launched the IBA Recognition Awards, honoring radio and television stations that demonstrated exceptional compliance.
Notable winners included:
- Most Compliant in Fee Payments: Chikuni Radio (Community), Phoenix FM (Commercial)
- Best Content Compliance: Yangeni Radio (Community), QFM (Commercial)
- Best Infrastructure Compliance: Radio Christian Voice (Community), Power FM (Commercial)
These awards reflect IBA’s shift from a strictly punitive role to a more supportive and developmental approach, recognizing excellence while enforcing regulations.
Despite the challenges of 2024, the IBA remains committed to fostering a robust, compliant, and innovative broadcasting sector. With plans to digitize processes, strengthen oversight, and enhance industry sustainability, the authority is set to position Zambia’s media landscape for continued growth in 2025 and beyond.