STATE OF THE MEDIA REPORT QUARTER 3. 2020 The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) is dismayed by the false reporting of an online television station Spring TV which went viral yesterday and wishes to clarify that Spring TV is not licensed by the Authority and as such not bound by its regulations. The IBA Act does not provide for the regulation of content broadcast over the internet. In that regard, IBA has no jurisdiction to take any action against the station for any wrong doing or alleged peddling of rumours. That notwithstanding, IBA stands with various stakeholders to condemn the false reporting that happens on the Internet and wishes to urge all media practitioners to abide by the journalism code of ethics. Further, perpetrators of such falsehoods can face the consequences of their actions under the constitution and other laws of the Republic of Zambia. While every news channel would love to be the first to give breaking news to the public, the same should not be at the expense of accuracy and verification of facts which is a key characteristic of journalism ethical practice. Barely a week after this initial statement, the Authority’s Board Chairperson, Mable Mung’omba issued a contradictory statement, claiming jurisdiction over regulation of online broadcasting on 7th August: The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) issued a press statement on 30 July, 2020 regarding the status of Spring TV and the regulation pertaining to online broadcasting. The said statement was issued in the context that Spring TV is not a licensee of the IBA. Spring TV, like any other broadcasting service provider, is bound by sections 19(1) of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (Amendment) Act No.26 of 2010 which prohibits the operation or the provision of a broadcasting service in Zambia without a broadcasting licence. Accordingly, section 2 of the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act no. 17 of 2002 (as amended by Act No. 26 of 2010) defines broadcasting as “any form of unidirectional electronic communication intended for reception by- 31