Claim
On 25th May 2026, TV Yatu Facebook page and several other social media pages published reports claiming that the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) had directed Millennium TV not to air an interview featuring former Zambia Security Intelligence Service (ZSIS) Director General , Mr. Xavier Chungu, who is also who is also the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party and a presidential candidate in the upcoming 13 August 2026 General Elections. These reports sparked outrage among Mr. Chungu’s sympathizers and followers who considered the alleged directive as an assault on media freedom and freedom of expression in an election year.
The link to the original post has been removed from this fact-check to avoid further amplifying the associated misinformation and unverified claims.
Verdict: False
iVerify Zambia has determined that the claim by TV Yatu and other social media pages alleging that the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) directed Millennium TV not to air an interview featuring former ZSIS Director General, Mr. Xavier Chungu, is false.
The claim was not supported by any officiall communication, statement, or directive from IBA to Millennium TV. The IBA, through its Director General, Mr. Webster Malido, publicly dismissed the reports as false, clarifying that no such directive had been issued.
Rating Justification
The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), which was alleged to have issued the directive to Millennium TV, addressed the matter during a press briefing and dismissed the claims as false. The Authority clarified that it had not issued any directive to the media house, contrary to reports circulated by TV Yatu and other social media pages.
Responding to a question from a journalist during the briefing held to unveil election coverage guidelines for broadcast media houses ahead of Zambia’s 2026 General Elections, IBA Director General, Mr. Webster Malido, stated that the Authority had not instructed any media house to stop airing an interview featuring former Zambia Security Intelligence Service (ZSIS) Director General, Mr. Xavier Chungu. A review of the reports also found no official notice, letter, or public statement from the IBA instructing Millennium TV to suspend or cancel the interview.
Conclusion
False or unverified reports circulated on social media can significantly distort public understanding, fuel unnecessary outrage, and undermine confidence in key governance institutions, including the IBA. Claims suggesting that the IBA acted to restrict or interfere with media content risk creating a perception of institutional bias, which can erode trust in its mandate to regulate broadcasting fairly, independently, and in the public interest. The IBA plays a critical role in safeguarding media freedom while also ensuring responsible broadcasting standards, especially during election periods when information can strongly influence public opinion and democratic participation. Misrepresenting its actions as politically motivated or partisan not only damages the credibility of the institution but also risks polarising public discourse.
As Zambia heads toward the August 2026 General Elections, it is essential that information shared about regulatory bodies like the IBA is accurate and verified. Responsible reporting and careful consumption of information are key to protecting institutional trust, supporting media freedom, and maintaining a peaceful and informed democratic environment.
Evidence
