Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA), on instructions from President Bingu Mutharika, is said to be planning to order private Joy Radio to stop broadcasting in the northern and central regions. Joy Radio, owned by UDF presidential candidate Dr Bakili Muluzi will be restricted to airwaves in the commercial city of Blantyre as a community radio station or they risk being shut down, a MACRA highly placed source has told Nyasa Times .

Meanwhile, Macra has written Joy Radio accusing them of giving out inflamatory news bulletins. Station manager for Joy, Peter Chisale confirmed receipt of the letter from Macra but worried that it was only a tactic to “muzzle” them. “Indeed we have received a letter from Macra,” said Chisale, he added “I think it is a calculated move to muzzle this station and take us off air.”

MACRA is reported to have directed that private radio stations in Malawi should neither criticise President Mutharika nor praise any other political leader, otherwise they will be deemed to be “political” organisations. They plan to revoke radio licences from those stations that promote the opposition.

The regulatory authority has, however, not sent any warning to the state controlled Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) that is promoting hate-filled messages through its news, and controversial programmes such as Makiyolobasi. The Nyasa Times says that many consider that the MBC risks triggering genocide with such material.

Fuente: Nyasa Times

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