By STEVEN ZANDE –
THE Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has with immediate effect suspended licenses for 12 radio stations for failure to pay license fees, some dating back to 2015.
The authority has further revoked Copperbelt Television’s licence for failure to broadcast after the 120 days required for a new television station to commence operations.
The affected radio stations which are based in different parts of the country are; Jive Fm, Ngoma Radio, Mwinilunga Radio, Valley Fm, Luanginga Radio and Kwenje Radio.
Others are Vision Macha, Young Generation, Live FM, Ama Fm, Pan African Radio and Comet 10.
The unpaid license fees amount to K272, 900 and defaulting broadcasters have been given two weeks in which to pay outstanding monies or face additional punitive measures.
IBA Board chairperson Justin Mutale told journalists at a Press briefing yesterday that the affected radio stations and the TV station were written to, given grace periods and heard but still failed to pay the fees.
“The public is being informed that the revocation and suspensions are in line with the IBA Amendment Act of 2010. The affected stations were given an opportunity to be heard in line with provisions of the law,” Brig Mutale said.
He said non-compliance of to any of the licensing conditions, including non-payment of or late payment of fees which fell at December, 31 every year was a serious offence.
Brig Mutale also cautioned broadcasters that had not settled the 2017 fees to pay because by failing to do so they risked having their licenses suspended.