LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has written Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera on the revocation of broadcasting licences in the country.
MISA fears the move could further worsen Malawi’s standing on freedom of expression and has since called for the President’s intervention.
The media body has also copied the letter to SADC Chairman Felix Tchishekedi, African Union Chairperson Macky Sall, UN Special Rapporteur on opinion and Expression Irene Khan.
Dated 1 September 1, 2022 and signed by chairperson Golden Maunganidze the letter is further urging President Chakwera to intervene and allow the affected stations to continue operating until a lasting solution is found.
It observes that shutting down these broadcasters risks denting the progress that Malawi has made since re-introduction of multiparty democracy and the operationalisation of the Access to Information law in 2020.
President Chakwera’s press secretary Anthony Kasunda however says he had not yet received the said document.
This comes as Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has shut down broadcasters including Rainbow TV (though paid license fees), Angaliba, Ufulu while others on pending for closure.