MISA Zambia has commended IBA, the Independent Broadcasting Authority for lifting the suspension of the license for Itezhi Tezhi Radio station following several appeals from various stakeholders including MISA.
Chairperson Hellen Mwale says that the decision to lift the suspension is timely because the punishment meted out to the three broadcast stations was unfair.
In a statement availed to Breeze News, Ms Mwale notes that the three stations were neither charged nor given an opportunity to appear before the authority prior to the decision.
She says that the authority must live up to its mandate of promoting a pluralistic broadcasting industry in Zambia through fair, transparent and effective regulation as provided for in the IBA amendment act of 2010.
Ms Mwale has demanded that the power of the IBA to regulate public broadcasters such as ZNBC be restored as this will truly level the playing field and allow for uniform and not selective enforcement of standards.
Misa Zambia has reiterated the call for all media institutions and practitioners to stand united and remain professional in their conduct as this is the only way for the media fraternity to forge ahead.
And Ms Mwale says that MISA is closely monitoring the legal suit brought by Muvi Television and Komboni Radio