STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA This came a few days after the incidents that led to a total breakdown of relations and subsequent removal of the station from the Topstar bouquet. It is noteworthy that several other media houses were also written the same letter by the revenue authority. Eight days later, on 9th April, the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) issued a press statement announcing the cancellation of Prime TV’s broadcasting license. For ease of reference, the statement, which was undersigned by IBA Director-General, Josephine Mapoma is reproduced below: The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Board wishes to announce the cancellation of the broadcasting licence of Prime Television in Public Interest. The cancellation is with immediate effect. The cancellation is pursuant to Section 29 (1) (j) and (k) of the IBA (Amendment) Act of 2010 which provides that the Board may cancel a broadcasting licence if: “The cancellation of the licence is necessary in the interest of public safety, security, peace, welfare or good order”. “The Board considers it appropriate in the circumstances of the case to do so”. This means that Prime Television’s licence is now void and should be surrendered to the Authority. Prime Television is at liberty to appeal against the decision of the Board to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services within thirty (30) days, in accordance with Section 31 (1) of the IBA Amendment Act of 2010. The decision was appealed to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Hon. Dora Siliya who responded in a letter dated 23rd April stating that the appeal could not be considered as the station’s license had expired prior to the IBA’s cancellation of the said license. She stated in part that: It is clear that at the time the IBA Board cancelled the Prime Television’s Broadcasting licence on 9th April, 2020, there was no existing broadcasting licence to be cancelled as the same had expired following Prime Television’s failure to apply for renewal at least 6 months before its expiration, which licence expired on 29th March, 2020 pg. 26