Maravi

MISA calls for quick enactment of IBA Act

MISA calls for quick enactment of IBA Act
Written by Agness Changala
Thursday, March 05, 2009 9:33:02 PM

DELAYS in the implementation of the Independent Broadcasting (IBA) Act is prohibiting the establishment of more community radio stations in the country, MISA Zambia chairperson Henry Kabwe has observed.

During the unveiling of equipment for 11 community radio stations provided by Irish Aid and Diakonia at a cost of US $192,752 in Lusaka yesterday, Kabwe said challenges faced by the media should not deter communities from setting up more community radio stations.

He said MISA Zambia was concerned that a number of intended community radio stations which had applied for broadcast licenses had not been granted due to a number of reasons such as the lack of implementation of the IBA Act.

“Let me therefore appeal to the government to quickly implement the IBA Act,” he said.

And Kabwe said the provision of radio equipment by Irish and Diakonia needed to be complemented by all stakeholders to support the growth of the community radio sector.

Among the community radio stations that will benefit from the support include Sky FM and Chikuni in Monze, Radio Mano in Kasama, Chikaya in Lundazi, Radio Maria in Chipata, Zambezi and Mosi-O-Tunya in Livingstone. Others include Yangeni in Mansa, Explorer in Petauke and Maranatha in Kabwe.

Labels: INDEPENENT BROADCASTING ACT, MISA, RADIO

posted by MrK @ 9:29 PM