Below are the highlights on their meeting:
✅ Government urged the IBA to ensure fair annual operating fees for community radio stations.
✅ This will allow community radio stations to continue with information dissemination across the country including job opportunities being created for the locals in the communities.
✅ The Minister noted that community radio stations are doing a commendable job in highlighting government achievements and programmes it has lined up for the people.
✅ He urged the media industry to take advantage of the tax waiver on broadcasting equipment as stipulated in the 2024 budget to expand.
✅ The Minister expressed happiness that the 2 years 5 months the New Dawn Administration has been in government, IBA has not closed any media house, a move which he said is in line with government’s aspirations.
✅ Government wants to see more licences being given despite one’s political affiliation.
✅ The Minister has since urged young people to take advantage of opportunities government has created such us the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) loans to improve their lives saying they can obtain loans to set up radio stations in areas of their choice.
✅ Government has noted with great concern abuse of freedom of expression by some radio stations and some sections of society that promote hate speech. Mr. Mweetwa has since implored IBA to expand its vigilance on such radio stations.
✅ The Minister has since thanked media houses particularly those in the private sector who have joined government in the fight against Cholera and urged those that have not yet joined to do so.
