BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has signalled a possible policy shift by inviting former licensees to apply for reconsideration of licences revoked over the past ten years.
The regulator has opened a 21-day window for submissions from affected parties, offering a chance for redemption and potential reinstatement.
This move applies to electronic communications, content service, and postal and courier licences revoked between 2015 and 2025, affecting several media houses and outlets.
MACRA says applicants must demonstrate they previously held valid licences and have since taken corrective steps or can provide new information linked to the revocation.
The authority stresses that reconsideration does not guarantee reinstatement, leaving the outcome uncertain for hopeful applicants.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of past controversy, with MACRA shutting down several media houses in recent years over unpaid licence fees.
Civil society groups, including MISA Malawi, had warned that these closures were shrinking civic space, threatening media freedom, and costing journalists their jobs.
Affected media outlets included Rainbow Television, Joy Radio and Television, Ufulu FM, Galaxy FM, and Sapitwa FM, among others.
The move has sparked hope among previously affected media houses and outlets, who see this as an opportunity to revive their operations.
