Broadcasting Regulator Threatens To Revoke Muvi TV’S License

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) have threatened to revoke Muvi TV’s license after it aired interviews with opposition politicians.

On 28th May, the IBA found Muvi TV guilty of professional misconduct in violation of the IBA Act of 2010 after it aired interviews on the 30th April and 16th May with opposition politicians. If Muvi TV carries out similar interviews again, the IBA has threatened to revoke or suspend their licence.

Speaking on the matter, Angela Quintal of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said that the IBA should have encouraged the diversity of viewpoints shared on the news channel, rather than provided threats as a response.

“The regulator should encourage editorial independence and diversity of views rather than threatening to revote the licences of privately owned outlets like Muvi TV,” she said.

The CPJ have also released an article on the matter which asks the IBA to “stop harassing private broadcaster Muvi TV” and instead advises its to “publicly reaffirm the editorial independence of media outlets ahead of the August 12 general elections.”

The news comes as concern has increased over the ability for the ruling Patriotic Front to drown out the voices of opposition parties through the use of their governmental control, such as with their questionable banning of political rallies which was announced at a rally of their own.