Media Council speaks on Broadcasters
by Theresa Kasawala, The Daily Times Newspaper : August 7, 2008

Media Council of Malawi (MCM) says a long-term strategy of resolving the complaints and concerns regarding independence of Malawi Television (TVM), Malawi Broadcasting, Corporation (MBC) and Joy Radio is the review of the Malawi Communications Act. "The long-term plan for the state controlled institutions involves lobbying for reviewing the Malawi Communications Act, which provides the policy and legal instruments that govern, regulate and guide state broadcasters in Malawi," said a statement released by the council signed by Executive Director Baldwin Chiyamwaka.

The statement indicated that the Ethics, Complaints and Disciplinary Committee of MCM committee noted that some of the challenges facing the media industry in Malawi today emanate from the inconsistencies in the Communications Act.

"For instance, the current Act gives a lot of political clout to the Minister of Information who in most instances is key to politics of the day and in effect places the two broadcasters under the executive arm of government.

"It is, therefore, imperative that the Act be reviewed to reflect the democratic dispensation we are in," the statement stated.

The statement noted that it was important to ensure that state broadcasters truly reflect their mandate and the spirit of public broadcasting as a service to the nation and that all stakeholders' voices are represented, as democracy would demand.

"The committee, which is responsible for providing an alternative dispute resolution mechanism on matters involving the media and the public launched investigations on 7th June 2008 into complaints, concerns and allegations that were lodged, expressed and raised through various modes," said the statement.

It further said in the short-term solution as the country is approaching the forthcoming general elections, the committee planned a series of meetings intended to engage TVM, MBC, Joy Radio, Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (Macra), Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) and Media and Communications Committee of Parliament.

The statement said the outcome of the said meetings would remain under wraps ufltil such a time when the council would come up with another statement on the same.

"The committee, however, failed to meet MBC but we are giving an assurance to the public that all necessary efforts are being made to reschedule a meeting with MBC before it meets Mec and Media and Communications Committee of Parliament," concluded the statement.;