A private TV station in Zambia has been stripped of its license by the country's broadcasting body for refusing to air COVID-19 public campaign messages.

Prime Television, a popular pro-opposition channel, bluntly refused the governments request, stating that it would only air the awareness ads if it was paid for government-commissioned campaign messages during elections in 2015 and 2016.

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) cancelled its licence with “immediate effect” on Thursday, citing “the interest of public safety, security, peace and welfare”.

“The Board considers it appropriate in the circumstances to do so,” said IBA board secretary Josephine Mapoma in a statement.

Prime Television director Gerald Shawa declined to comment on the IBA’s decision.

The channel’s licence was suspended for a month last year after the ruling party accused it of “biased coverage” and “unethical reporting”.

Shawa, a former cameraman at the state-owned Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, said at the time that the suspension was issued without giving the station the right of reply.

Television has played a major role in raising awareness about coronavirus in Zambia.

Africa has recorded over 10,000 cases of the deadly virus in over 50 countries and Zambia accounts for 39 cases and one death with 24 recoveries so far.

(AFP)