SIMON MUNTEMBA Writes
THE Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has expressed dismay by the false reporting of an online television station, Spring TV which reported that former General Education Minister, David Mabumba had died after committing suicide when not.
In a statement, IBA director general, Josephine Mapoma however clarified that the authority had no jurisdiction to take any action against the online TV station for false reporting because it was not licensed by IBA.
Ms Mapoma said Spring TV was not licensed by the authority and as such it was not bound by its regulations.
She further explained that the IBA Act did not provide for the regulation of content broadcast over the internet.
“That notwithstanding, IBA stands with various stakeholders to condemn the false reporting that happens on the Internet and wishes to urge all media practitioners to abide by the journalism code of ethics,” Ms Mapoma said.