The Independent Broadcasting Authority has developed new standards guidelines to follow by broadcasting stations failure to which they can be penalised, such as closure.
In this vein, the IBA has convened a meeting in Lusaka at which station managers of radio and television are being availed the guidelines.
Some of the standards pertain to compliance in station content provision, adherence to programming, payment of licence fees, renewals, display of licences, engagement of security and suitable infrastructure for broadcasting.
IBA board member Elizabeth Chanda says the regulator is avoiding to discriminate licencees in the handling of breaches.
Ms Chanda says IBA will avoid arbitrary decision-making which can result in double standards when handling cases which can lead to injustice.
The new standard guidelines have been developed in accordance with Section 5 sub-paragraph 2 of the IBA Act which mandates the Authority to set standards and licensing conditions and enforce compliance.
In the past, some stations such as Prime and Muvi TV have suffered closure for allegedly breaching the licence conditions.
By George Chomba