New Act Shapes Broadcasting industry

IBA Act strengthens oversight, improves compliance, and drives better content across radio and television stations

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 --- 26-01-2026

Zambia’s newly enacted Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Act No. 25 of 2025 is already transforming the country’s broadcasting sector.

The IBA says the law strengthens oversight, improves compliance, and drives better content and operational standards across radio and television stations.

IBA Board Chairperson Chikosola Chuula told journalists at a media briefing that the Act is a milestone for the sector, modernising regulation, improving efficiency, and opening opportunities for digital innovation and investment.

“The new law ensures broadcasting services meet citizens’ needs while upholding transparency, inclusiveness, and high content standards,” Chuula said. “We will now develop statutory instruments to fully implement the Act.”

Chuula highlighted that 2025 saw key institutional milestones, including the appointment of Director General Webster Malido, which boosted leadership and operational efficiency within the Authority.

Chuula said the IBA issued nine new radio licences and approved nine existing stations to expand coverage to underserved rural areas, promoting nationwide access to information.

Television licences were not issued due to limited digital terrestrial transmission capacity.

However, the Authority granted a conditional offer to AZAM Media Zambia Limited to provide subscription-based broadcasting services.

The total number of licensed broadcasters now stands at 263, comprising 202 radio and 61 television stations.

Chuula said enhanced inspections led to the suspension of seven stations for non-payment of annual operating fees.

Three complied and had their licences reinstated, while four remain under regulatory review.

“We recorded 14 content-related breaches involving nine stations,” he said, citing issues such as poor programme moderation, unverified information, violations of watershed periods, unedited material, and content likely to disturb public order or harm minors.

Chuula added that warnings were issued to stations airing misleading claims by religious or traditional healers promising instant wealth, vengeance, or restored relationships.

Despite enforcement, he noted overall compliance improvements, including timely licence renewals, upgraded infrastructure, better security, and consistent licence displays.

Operational support also improved. Chuula said some broadcasters benefited from government tax waivers for broadcasting equipment introduced in 2023.

Others failed due to incomplete documentation, prompting the creation of an information pack to guide stations before the facility expires on December 31, 2026.

He also announced the extension of the voluntary “cooling-off window”, allowing stations to switch off equipment between midnight and 06:00 to reduce costs.

Originally ending in September 2025, the relief now continues until June 2026.

Chuula said training programmes concluded in Central and Western provinces, attended by over 40 stations, focusing on journalism fundamentals, media ethics, and operational efficiency.

The Authority also conducted 72 stakeholder engagements and town hall meetings in eight districts, reaching over 912,000 people via digital platforms.

Chuula further revealed that 45 stations would be recognised in 2025 for outstanding performance and compliance across six award categories, showing the Authority’s balance between enforcement and positive reinforcement.

Chuula said the 2026 strategic focus includes accelerating digital transformation, strengthening content monitoring ahead of elections, developing regulations under the new Act, improving internal controls, and deepening stakeholder engagement.

“The new Act is already shaping broadcasting in Zambia. The Authority remains committed to working with stakeholders and the public to grow and professionalise the sector,” Chuula said.