IBA TAKES ACTION AGAINST FOUR STATIONS OVER MISLEADING RELIGIOUS PROGRAMMING AND TRADITIONAL HEALERS
LUSAKA, 24th August 2025 – The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has taken regulatory action against four broadcasting stations for continuing to air religious and traditional healer programmes that mislead the public, promote superstition, and exploit the emotional and financial vulnerabilities of audiences. This is contrary to the Authority’s advisory issued on 23rd May 2025.
The four non-compliant stations have been directed to:
· Immediately review and suspend all misleading religious or traditional healer programmes that have not undergone adequate editorial scrutiny.
· Stop airing content featuring individuals making unverifiable, misleading, or fear-inducing claims.
The IBA reiterates that broadcasting content promoting claims such as “magic money,” bringing back lost lovers, miraculous healing, or guaranteed job opportunities is a breach of the IBA Act, relevant licensing conditions, and the Authority’s Standard Operating Procedures (Section 4.2.6).
Such content undermines public trust, exploits audience vulnerabilities, and violates the ethical standards required of licensed broadcasters.
Stations are reminded that failure to comply attracts regulatory sanctions, as outlined in the Guidelines for Handling and Enforcement of Compliance Breaches.
The IBA remains committed to promoting responsible broadcasting that upholds public trust and ensures that broadcasting platforms serve as credible sources of information and education.
Katendi Wandi
DIRECTOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATION