Publication
Assessment of media development in Malawi
ISBN: 978-92-3-100566-4
Collation: 157 pages
After having only two radio stations at the start of the 90s, Malawi reached 57 radio and 14 television stations.
Room for improvement, despite growth
Free, pluralistic and independent media play a crucial role in the protection of human rights, peace and democratic rule in countries all over the world. Malawi has seen an exponential growth of its media, both in quality and quantity. For example, there were only two broadcasting stations at the start of the 1990s, while Malawi has increased this over the years to 57 radio stations and 14 television broadcasters. Although the plurality of Malawi’s media greatly increased, the functioning of the media has still been affected by arrests of media practitioners, outdated laws and other constraints.
This report offers an extensive overview of the status of the media in Malawi, based on an assessment of the UNESCO Media Development Indicators (MDIs). It analyses the legal and regulatory framework, the plurality of the media, safety of journalists and other relevant media development indicators, while at same time providing relevant recommendations for all stakeholders involved. The recommendations cover a large number of issues, some notable ones focused on:
- The conception of self-regulatory systems;
- The safeguarding of journalists;
- The introduction of a code for the regulation of advertisement practices;
- The reform of outdated laws relating to media practitioners.
Media practitioners, government officials, media stakeholders, CSOs and researchers are invited to discuss this report and consider implementing its recommendations in order to improve the media landscape of Malawi.
