IBA Summons Five Broadcasters Over Election Coverage Violations

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has called five broadcasting stations to appear before it for compliance hearings, following a regulatory assessment of media coverage of the 2026 General Election.

IBA Director General Webster Malido said the assessment was carried out under the Authority's legal mandate to monitor broadcasting standards during the electoral period.

"This assessment was conducted pursuant to Section 5(2)(h) of the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act of 2002, in line with the 2026 IBA Election Coverage Guidelines issued in May this year, and other applicable broadcasting standards," Malido said.

According to the Authority, the stations were found to have breached broadcasting standards in several respects, including airing unsubstantiated allegations, broadcasting unverified or potentially misleading information, allowing hate speech and tribal content on air, and failing to adequately challenge claims made by guests and members of the public.

Malido said the affected stations would be given a chance to respond to the findings.

"The hearings, scheduled for Wednesday, 16th September 2026 at the IBA, will provide the stations with an opportunity to respond to the findings before the Authority determines the appropriate course of action," he said.

He added that the Authority remained committed to balancing regulatory enforcement with media freedom.

"We reaffirm our commitment to promoting responsible broadcasting while upholding the principles of media freedom and the right to freedom of expression, in accordance with the law and applicable broadcasting standards," Malido said.