Malawi’s Communications Act lacks push on digital migration

Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu has said digital migration needs the push of the law, saying Malawi’s 1998 Communications Act does not make digital broadcasting mandatory to television and radio broadcasters.

Kunkuyu said this on Saturday after a digital migration briefing with members of the Parliamentary Media and Communications Committee in Liwonde, Machinga.

He said government expects to present the bill seeking to amend the 1998 Communications Act during the House’s budget review meeting in January next year.

“Currently, the licensing of radio and television broadcasters is being done under analogue transmission. The law does not make it mandatory for broadcasters to broadcast on the digital platform.

 “The Communications Act has to make it very clear that from February next year, Macra should issue licences that make digital broadcasting mandatory,” said Kunkuyu.

He said government has tendered for procurement of equipment and installation of the digital transmission network in the country, saying the new network will be launched early next year.

Media and Communications Committee chairperson Sam Ganda said his committee will brief the House on the migration process and the need for Members of Parliament to support relevant bills to enable the country to migrate to digital broadcasting.