CPJ, LAZ, Panos Add Voices On Prime Cancellation
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), the Committee to Protect Journalists, and the Panos Institute Southern Africa have all weighed in on the cancellation of Prime TV’s broadcasting license by the authorities on April 9th.
The cancellation of the licence by the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), purportedly “in the interest of public safety, security, peace, welfare or good order” has come under criticism from several quarters.
The CPJ has called on the government to reinstate the licence and to cease harassing Prime TV.
The CPJ’s Africa program coordinator Angela Quintal stated, “The Zambian public needs credible information about the COVID-19 pandemic and other events in the public interest. Now is not the time for Information Minister Dora Siliya to retaliate against a popular private outlet that does not toe the government line.”
“The Independent Broadcasting Authority should immediately reinstate Prime TV’s broadcasting license, and authorities should allow the broadcaster to reopen and resume covering the news,” she continued.
Meanwhile, the LAZ claims that the cancellation is illegal and in violation of the correct procedure.
Commenting on the cancellation the LAZ Council has stated, “LAZ is deeply saddened and gravely perturbed by the cancellation of Prime Television’s broadcasting licence by the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) on 9th April 2020.”
“LAZ is also of the view that the action and conduct of the IBA is an affront to the freedom of the media and an assault on the democratic right of freedom of expression,” it expanded.
“This is a serious concern for the future of the private media in Zambia especially as the nation heads towards the 2021 Presidential and General Elections… LAZ is also seriously concerned by the reported commandeering of the Prime TV premises and offices by Zambia Police officers as reported by Muvi TV on 9th April 2020.”
The Panos Institute Southern Africa has also called on the authorities to reinstated the licence.
“In the few years that the station has been on air, Prime TV has established itself as a medium of choice for many citizens, and its closure will be a blow to those who rely on the station as their preferred platform. The station also employs many Zambian professionals, and its closure will affect their livelihoods,” the organisation stated.
“The cancellation of Prime TV’s license will limit citizens’ access to critical information, thereby limiting their ability to effectively participate in informed decision making on matters affecting them. In addition, the decision by IBA is backtracking the country’s media pluralism and development achievements since liberalisation of the airwaves.
Panos therefore appeals to the IBA to reconsider its decision and explore other remedial actions to address identified concerns the authority may have on Prime TV while the media house continues to broadcast,” Executive Director Vusumuzi Sifilie has stated.