Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has suspended the broadcasting license for Prime Television for 30 days.
IBA Director General Josephine Mapoma announced at a media briefing in Lusaka that the authority has also suspended Valley FM of Nyimba for 60 days.
Ms Mapoma says the board found that Prime TV has exhibited unprofessional elements in its broadcasting through unbalanced coverage, opinionated news, material likely to incite violence and use of derogatory language.
She says the station was not only in breach of the IBA Act, but also of their own guidelines that among others include duty to remain balanced, air and impartial in their coverage, strive to give equal coverage access by not discrimination against any political party before3,during and after elections.
Ms Mapoma says during the suspension period Prime TV is expected to conduct in-house training on basic journalism ethics and news script writing.
She states that both Prime TV and Valley FM were given an opportunity to be heard and that their suspensions are pursuant to section 29(1)(k) of the IBA Amendment Act(2010) which states that the Board may suspend a broadcasting licence if it considers it appropriate in the circumstances of the case to do so.
And Ms Mapoma has also announced the revocation of licenses for Luanshya based Ngoma radio and Kafue radio.
She says Ngoma radio has failed, refused or neglected to pay any sum to the authority for any broadcast service provided.
She states that the license for Kafue radio has been revoked for non-payment of initial license fees and subsequent annual operating fees.
Meanwhile Ms Mapoma says the IBA has given new broadcast licenses to 22 radio stations around the country.
She adds that nine other radio stations have been allowed to expand their broadcast beyond their initial coverage areas.
And speaking at the same briefing,Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo who is also IBA Chairperson says the decision to suspend Prime TV was made after thorough consultations and engagement with stakeholders.
Mr Kasolo says there was no political interference involved.