STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA 4.4 Review of Burning Issues 4.4. 1 Top Star There is controversy, contestations and questions over the relationship between Top Star and ZNBC. This was partly demonstrated by the chief government spokesperson sentiments when she met 18 television owners to discuss challenges and concerns of the industry. The Zambia Daily Mail on 21st September, reported: “I think generally, there has been an atmosphere of mistrust, a belief that Government does not care about the Zambian player (investor) in this industry and that we are just inclined towards Chinese Star Times,” Ms. Siliya said. A case in the third quarter involving Top Star is one in which a Matero resident sued ZICTA, Top Star and IBA. On 31st August, Times of Zambia reported that20: A Matero resident and chief executive officer (CEO) of Acts television has sued the Zambia Information Communication and Technology Authority (ZICTA) asking it to take necessary action against Top Star Communication company Limited for operating contrary to the license conditions given to it. Golden Malama, who has cited Top star Communication Company Limited as second defendant and the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) as third defendant is asking the Lusaka High Court to order Top Star to remove all channels which are not licensed by IBA on the digital migration platform. Mr. Malama is seeking further specific performance on the content services provider license that he starts broadcasting a television station known as Acts. A seemingly possible response to the issue, government denied inclination to Top Star. The Zambia Daily Mail reported that the state wants full participation of the private sector in the television industry in the country21. 20 Times of Zambia – Matero Resident Sues ZICTA, TOPSTAR, IBA – 31st August, 2018 Zambia Daily Mail – Government not inclined to Topstar – state wants full participation of the private sector – 19th September 2018 2121 17