SECTOR 2 of television programmes (content providers). IBA has issued a carrier licence and content licence, although the Act does not allow this. This enables them to essentially monopolise both areas. In addition, a private station wishing to broadcast on these platforms can be further disadvantaged by being downgraded from a High Definition (HD) signal, meaning their channels will not look as professional as others. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: Score of previous years: ✓✓ ✓✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ 2.8 2017 = 3.2 2.6 Government promotes a diverse media landscape with economically sustainable and independent media outlets Before 1991 there was a limited choice of broadcasting stations. Now, this has expanded, but whether the plethora of broadcasters is economically sustainable is debatable. It is believed that the mushrooming of community radio stations cannot be sustained, and that many will fold over time. Apart from ZNBC, television and commercial/community radio stations are licensed through the IBA, whose mission is to promote a plural and diverse media A film policy is in place, providing Zambian film producers with funds to produce local films. Local producers then will give this content to local carriers such as TopStar. However, they will then say there is not enough revenue and even ask the producers of the content to pay for it themselves. The Zambia Revenue Authority lists exemptions on importing broadcasting equipment, but they are very specific. For instance, with a radio station, they will refer only to the microphone and mixer as tax-exempt. If you have imported an amplifier for your station, they will then demand tax on that. They have come up with very specific lists of items that are included and excluded for tax purposes. There is also a department – the Press and Media Development Department (PMD) within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services. However, it is not entirely clear what their activities are. 24 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZAMBIA 2021