Zambia, Prime TV Broadcaster Gagged. Broadcasting Authority Cancels Licence

On 9 April, the Independent Broadcasting Authority for Zambia’s broadcasting regulator – that doesn’t seem very independent – cancelled Prime TV’s broadcast license, a truly independent TV station. The regulator gave vague reasons of “public safety, security, or good order” for the cancellation.

The measure seems to have something to do with Prime TVs decision not to air the government’s coronavirus-awareness campaign. For a very simple reason: the government has not paid them for airing previous publicity campaigns. Like all privately owned television stations, operational costs and salaries of Prime TV employees depend on advertising revenue.

Last year, Prime TV’s license was suspended for 30 days after they aired a report on political violence in the country.