STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA Meanwhile, the aspect of statutory or state regulation endorsed by journalists gathered for the Insaka received some mixed reactions. On 29th May ,2019 The BBC Media Action Project Manager Mr. Boyd Chibale was quoted by The Mast Newspaper Publication saying “state regulation does not guarantee media freedom.” The Project Manager emphasised that one of the fundamental aspects of state regulation is that it is highly politicized and does not guarantee media freedom. He said self-regulation was the best alternative to ensuring a regulated media fraternity. An interesting departure from the statutory self-regulation as adopted by journalists was that it is a hybrid of both self and statutory regulation. Because of the challenges in implementing self-regulation by journalists as evidenced in the failure of MECOZ and ZAMEC to take off successfully, a mix of the two maybe the solution to achieving a media that is vibrant and free from interference. 4.1.2 Media Licensing The harassment and eventual suspension of Prime TVs broadcasting licence for 30 days from 4th March to 3rd April dominated most of the media debates in the 1st quarter of 2019. In the second quarter, though the media house’s suspension was lifted, it can be stated that the move caused a lot of damage on the TV station both in operations and human resources. In a bid to understand the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), it can be stated that the IBA was established through an Act of Parliament No. 17 of 2002, which was amended through the IBA (Amendment) Act No. 26 of 2010. The IBA became operational in July 2013. According to the website, the IBA is responsible for regulating the broadcasting industry in Zambia, by ensuring the promotion of a pluralistic and diverse broadcasting industry. The information on its website further states that the functions of the IBA includes among others, to grant, renew, suspend and cancel radio and television broadcast licences. In line with granting operational licenses, on 16th May 2019, the Zambia Daily Mail publication carried a headline, “IBA grants Kutonesha Manyinga Initiative (KMI) licence” The paper reported that the IBA has granted KMI a license to set up Muchima community radio station in North-Western Province. The granting of an operating licence for Muchima radio came barely a month after the 30-day suspension of Prime TV’s operating license. As expected, the granting of the operating licence elated Manyinga District Commissioner, Queen Manela who expressed happiness at the gesture by IBA. She stated that the granting of the operating license is an indication of the value government attached to media development. 9