IBA Board unveiled

Government has unveiled the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Board completing the operationalization of the IBA in line with the provisions of the Act.

The board members include Brigadier General Justine Mutale, Mr. Hilary Banda, Ms. Hilda Sililo Akekelwa, Mr. Alphonsio Kashulwe, Ms. Patricia Mwase, Mr. Evans Muhanga, Ms Enita Hanmatumbika, Ms Brenda Liswaniso and Information and Broadcasting Permanent Secretary Bert Mushala.

Speaking during the announcement of the board members this morning, Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Joseph Katema says government is confident that the appointed members have the competence, expertise and experience to grow the IBA from its current infancy stage to a formidable organization that will oversee the growth of a professional and vibrant broadcasting industry in the country.

Dr.Katema who is also Chief Government Spokesperson says the board comes into office against a backdrop of high expectations from both the government and the people of Zambia on the need for the media to exercise high ethical and professional standards in its role of informing, educating and entertaining the public.

He says when the Patriotic Front government committed itself to freeing the media, many people had doubts but that the announcement of the IBA Board and other measures government has and continues to undertake to professionalize the media vindicate them.

Dr. Katema adds that through the appointment of the IBA Board, government is reassuring the nation that in line with its “hands off” policy on the media, it is giving the IBA and the media fraternity at large a leeway to operate independently and professionally for the benefit of the people.

He has further commended and congratulated the board members for accepting to serve the nation, noting that as the first ever IBA Board, they have a mammoth task of laying a firm foundation upon which the IBA should grow.