A letter by the Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (Macra) has called for a meeting with Zodiak Radio Station’s Manager. According the letter, the meeting has been called to discuss the manner in which the radio station has been covering the July 4th demonstrations.
The scenario happens a month after macra banned phone-in radio programs, citing “careless and unethical coverage of post elections events” by broadcasters. With seemingly the same concern, macra has noted that 40% of Zodiak radio’s broadcasting has been about the demonstrations. “MACRA has observed that you have diverted from your usual broadcasting schedule and have dedicated 40% of your broadcast on updates of the said demonstrations”
Macra has stressed that though it recognizes and encourages freedom of press, there should be responsible broadcasting that won’t endanger public safety and security. According to the letter, the meeting is scheduled for today at 14:00pm at Macra offices. On the other hand, stakeholders in media decried the phone-in program suspension, citing that it was not only an infringement to freedom of speech, but was a constraint for the radio stations gaining revenue.