Broadcasting regulator calls for applications for radio and TV operations
 
On 23 May 2009, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) published an advertisement calling on eligible and suitably qualified persons/companies to apply for broadcasting licenses. This is the second time MACRA is calling for applications for broadcasting licenses, after it did so on 2 February 2009.

According to the advertisement, the following types of broadcasting licenses shall be issued to eligible applicants.
 
1.         Private (National) Sound Broadcasting Service Licence
2.         Private (National) Television Broadcasting Service Licence
3.         Community Sound Broadcasting Service Licence in respect of any District
in Malawi
4.         Private (Regional) Television Broadcasting Service Licence in respect
of any Region in Malawi
 
The advertisement further said application forms can be obtained at MACRA offices at a fee of MK2, 000 (US$14).
 
The country has two television stations namely the state-controlled Television Malawi (TVM) and Luntha Television, a religious television station belonging to the Catholic Church that broadcasts in the Eastern Region of Malawi. Should the broadcasting licenses be issued, they will bring the total number of TV stations to three, 12 national radio stations and six community radio stations.
 
Another privately owned television station, Joy TV, had its licence revoked by MACRA on grounds that the licensee is a politician who by law is not allowed to own a broadcasting station.  Joy TV was owned by former President Bakili Muluzi. Despite this latest move, owners and managers of broadcasting stations in Malawi have on several occasions accused MACRA of being influenced by top government officials in its regulation of the broadcast media in Malawi. The director general and the board of directors for MACRA are appointed by the state president, a development that attracts widespread condemnation from commentators who include leaders of opposition political parties.
 
Meanwhile, MISA Malawi has commended MACRA for showing interest and trying to promote media diversity and pluralism by calling for applications from individuals and institutions to apply for broadcasting licenses. MISA Malawi acting national director Sangwani Mwafulirwa said the move taken by MACRA would ensure that people are given an opportunity to make informed decisions by listening to various radio stations and watching TV stations of their choice.
 
“As MISA Malawi, we are happy with MACRA’s decision to allow as many people as possible to own broadcasting stations. We believe in media diversity and pluralism especially now that the country is still undergoing democratic transition,” he said.

Rashweat Mukundu
Programme Specialist: Media Freedom Monitoring
MISA Regional Secretariat
21 Johann Albrecht Street
Private Bag  13386  
Windhoek, Namibia
Tel: + 264 61 232 975
Fax:+264 61 248016
Mobile: 00 264  813 675 362
E mail rashweat@misa.org, misaalerts@gmail.com

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