LUSAKA, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's broadcasting regulator on Tuesday summoned 29 radio stations to exculpate themselves for failure to comply with regulations.
The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) summoned the radio stations from the different parts of the country for failure to comply with IBA Act which regulates the operations of the broadcasting industry in the southern African nation, according to a notice sent to the radio stations.
The summoned radio stations have, among other things, allegedly failed to pay license fees in line with the law, according to state broadcaster, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation.
According to the notice, the regulator said it has written to the radio stations in order to allow them an opportunity to exculpate themselves for violating the law before any action could be taken.
The hearings have been set for July 14, 2017.
Among the summoned radio stations, 11 are from Lusaka, the country's capital.
There are about 99 radio and 33 televisions operating in Zambia since the opening up of the airwaves.
Last year, the regulator suspended the broadcasting license of the country's leading private television, Muvi Television, and two other radio stations for alleged unprofessional conduct in the run up to and after the general elections held on August 11. The licenses were later restored.
