Regional Outcry Over Zambia’s Broadcasting Bill, Media Groups Warn of “Democratic Backslide”
n By Dumisani Ndlovu n nn n Lusaka, Zambia - There has been an outcry over Zambia’s proposed Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Bill of 2025, as twenty‑three leading media and civil society organisations from across Southern Africa ha
anostrofy By Dumisani Ndlovu
Lusaka, Zambia- There has been an outcry over Zambia’s proposed Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Bill of 2025, as twenty‑three leading media and civil society organisations from across Southern Africa have united to denounce it as a direct threat to freedom of expression and digital rights.
In a letter delivered to President Hakainde Hichilema, the coalition, operating under the Spaces of Solidarity Forum (SoS), warned that the bill, intended to modernise the broadcasting sector, could instead dent Zambia’s democratic credentials and roll back years of progress.
The organisations argue that the bill’s sweeping powers and vague definitions would allow regulators to silence critical voices and criminalise ordinary citizens for online activity.Sections 11 and 15 of the Bill, which impose fines of up to K200,000 (over US$ 8500) and prison terms of five years for unlicensed broadcasting, were singled out as grossly disproportionate and open to abuse.
“This legislation risks turning bloggers, podcasters and human rights defenders into criminals simply for sharing content online,” the letter states, adding that the effect could stifle innovation and muzzle dissent in the digital age.
The coalition also condemned the licensing regime, which requires the Authority to first establish a need before inviting applications, describing it as a gatekeeping mechanism ripe for political interference.
Concerns were also raised about the board appointment process, which hands absolute power to the executive, undermining the independence of the regulator.
While acknowledging the introduction of a Broadcast Charter as a positive step, the organisations insisted it must clearly define the role of public service broadcasting and hold the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation accountable when it fails to serve the public interest.
The appeal is anchored in regional and international standards, including the African Charter on Broadcasting, the Windhoek Declaration, and the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa.
The coalition copied the letter to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression and the African Union Governance Architecture.
Jeremias Langa, MISA Regional Chairperson, signed the letter on behalf of the coalition, urging President Hichilema to intervene.
“Regulation is necessary, but it must never come at the expense of freedom. Broadcasting is a public good, and this bill, in its current form, risks turning it into a tool of control,” he said.
