STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA Please note that subsection (2) of section 28 is categorical when it provides that a broadcasting license that is now renewed in accordance with subsection (1) of section 28 is void. It is in this regard that I advise that I cannot entertain your appeal in respect to the void license. The appeal has been refused on that basis26 This information was challenged in various media reports and interviews where the Station’s Manager indicated that there had been payments and renewal applications made to the Authority within the stipulated timeframe. This response by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting was, proverbially, the last nail in the Station’s coffin. The sequence of events seems to suggest a link between the break down in relations that characterised the first quarter and the subsequent (or consequent) cancellation of the license. Firstly, the sudden interest expressed by the Zambia Revenue Authority, despite its rightful mandate, is quite unusual given the blacklisting of the station by government just a few days prior. Also, the involvement of the ZRA to conduct a full tax audit is reminiscent of the closure of The Post Newspaper in 2016, in which controversial tax liabilities and laws were at the centre of the fracas. While media houses are not immune to audits and regulation by such agencies, care must be taken to ensure such regulation is not abused or used to instil fear and create an environment of self-censorship. Likewise, media houses must ensure they are up to date with their liabilities and are compliant with all requirements. Secondly, the initial announcement by the IBA was about the cancellation of the station’s license in the interest of “public safety, security, peace, welfare or good order”. However, what still remains to be answered is how exactly the station posed a threat to public safety or security and why other laws could not be used to stem such Acts. Moreover, the Authority has sufficient provisions under its Act to sanction a station for any such conduct including the prescription of corrective measures. This is important in that the Authority does not only exist as a punitive institution but one that is expected 26 As reported in News Diggers Newspaper on 24th April. See https://diggers.news/local/2020/04/24/i-cantentertain-your-appeal-your-license-had-expired-dora-tells-prime-tv/ pg. 27