The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has renewed licenses for nine radio and television stations and extended the license renewal window by four more months for stations that missed the initial deadline.
In a statement issued yesterday, IBA Acting Director General Susen Ndumingu announced that community radio stations such as Kabangabanga in Solwezi, Mpika in Mpika, Mwinilunga in Mwinilunga, and Maranatha in Kabwe had their broadcasting licenses successfully renewed. Other stations that received renewals include KNC Radio in Kabwe, QFM in Lusaka, Zambezi Radio in Livingstone, Sun FM in Ndola, and Muvi TV Terrestrial in Lusaka.
Ms. Ndumingu explained that these renewals were granted following formal applications submitted by the respective stations to seek a new mandate for providing broadcasting services. According to IBA regulations, a radio broadcasting license is valid for five years, while a television broadcasting license is valid for 10 years.
In addition, the IBA has extended the temporary “cooling off” period during which radio and television stations may shut down broadcasting equipment between midnight and 06:00 hours to reduce operational costs. This measure, initially set to end on December 31, 2024, was first extended to March 31, 2025, and has now been further extended to September 30, 2025.
Ms. Ndumingu said the decision follows consultations with broadcasters and is aimed at helping them cope with increased operational expenses due to ongoing power supply challenges caused by load management. She emphasized that the IBA is confident this measure will continue to provide much-needed relief to broadcasting stations facing the effects of the national power deficit.