NGOCC, UPND Calls For Prime TV Licence To Be Reinstated

The Non-Governmental Gender Organizations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) and the United Party for National Development are some of the latest to join the calls for the reinstatement of Prime Television’s broadcasting licence.

The cancellation of the station’s licence was announced by the Independent Broadcasting Authority on Thursday with immediate effect. Prime Television has thirty days in which to appeal the decision to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services.

Commenting on the development UPND President Hakainde Hichilema described the move as an attempt to “black out the opposition and other independent voices.”

“We advise the PF government that closing media houses for political reasons is not the best way to go. We demand an immediate reversal of the action taken by IBA and reopen Prime TV,” he stated.

Meanwhile the NGOCC Executive Director Engwase Mwale said the move violates the fundamental rights of press freedom and freedom of expression that are set out in the Constitution.

Appealing to the Independent Broadcasting Authority to immediately rescind their decision and reinstate Prime television Mwale has stated, “As a women’s movement, we regard the media as a critical player in the governance of the country which can negatively be affected by any efforts to muzzle the press. We appeal to the Minister of Information, Hon. Dora Siliya, to preside over this matter and reconsider the decision of the IBA. It is in the interest of the Government to protect its reputation against accusations of being authoritative against independent media”.

“In conclusion, we reiterate the words of the late Nelson Mandela, that “A critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy. The press must be free from state interference”, Mrs Mwale added.