Macra warns broadcasters on poll coverage
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) has threatened to deal with any radio or television station that is deemed to have breached its licence conditions and code of conduct in the run-up to 2014 Tripartite Elections.
Speaking during the broadcasters’ workshop in Lilongwe on Friday, Macra chairperson Martha Kwataine said it is crucial that all broadcasters should exercise professionalism in dealing with the content of their programmes.
“To contribute to a successful election, Macra will keep an eye on content to check quantity and quality of your messages. I, therefore, appeal to you to refrain from the use of language that may constitute hate speech and incite violence or promote stereotypes based on sex or physical attributes.
“We expect broadcasters to be all-inclusive in your reporting and look at the diversity of the electorate. Election time is crucial time when the public needs as much information as possible to make informed choices,” said Kwataine.
She said: “We should not abuse freedom of speech because the consequences can be horrifying on people especially the innocent children and women in our rural areas. It is incumbent upon you [broadcasters] to exercise your professionalism in dealing with the content that you will be collecting from various players.”
Macra director of finance and administration Ben Chitsonga said Malawi currently has 77 licensed broadcasters, saying the awarding of more broadcasting licences is expected to increase penetration of information communications and technology (ICT) services in the country.
“To make the monitoring process as transparent as possible, since you serve the interest of the public, Macra will be publishing weekly reports on the way you allocate airtime to political parties and how you balance your programming among political candidates,” said Chitsonga.
