Media freedom, independence and diversity
MISA Malawi tracks specific media freedom violations which you can read on your website. We also collate these incidents in our annual publication, So This is Democracy.
In conjunction with fesmedia Africa, MISA Malawi also publishes the African Media Barometer Malawi – a general analysis of Malawi’s media landscape and press freedom trends.
Three-tier broadcasting system
MISA Malawi also actively campaigns for media law reform and institutional and policy changes that further an independent, pluralistic and sustainable three-tier system of broadcasting.
The three-tier system means having community, public and commercial broadcasting that provide content for local, regional and national audiences. It enhances diversity and can help combat the domination of state broadcasters and the exclusion of minority voices.
Community broadcasting
Community media is operated in the community, for the community, about the community and by the community. It is independent, free from political or commercial interference and can provide public platforms for debate and discussion, and also promote social agendas.
The reach of community media, particularly radio, means it provides information and a platform of expression to rural and remote, grassroots communities that may not be represented in other media. The main challenge faced by community radio in Malawi is the difficulty in sustaining themselves beyond initial donor seed money.
Public service broadcasting
Public service broadcasting is created, financed and controlled by the public, for the public. It is neither commercial nor state-owned, and is therefore free from political or commercial interference.
Public service broadcasting informs, educates and entertains. It is an essential part of a pluralistic, diverse broadcasting sector.
MISA Malawi is lobbying for the transformation of the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation from a state broadcaster into a public service broadcaster. It is also advocating for the independence of the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority.
Media freedom news
MISA Malawi demands action on Silver Strikers FC coach, supporters for assaulting journalists
MISA Malawi demands disciplinary action and prosecution of Silver Strikers Football Club coach and supporters for verbally and physically assaulting journalists on Friday, August 25, 2023. The assault happened after the Super League of Malawi (SULOM) match between the...
DW Akademie Innovation Initiative 2023 for Southern Africa: Focus on AI and data
DW Akademie is looking to support innovative ideas for newsroom. The innovation initiative starts with an IdeaLab in Namibia in September 2023 with innovative newsroom projects from Southern Africa, followed by a practical implementation of the ideas in late 2023. The...
Free Expression Climate Survey 2023
This survey is part of MISA's regional programme to identify the most pressing issues for free media, free speech, and a free expression in the digital sphere. It will take approximately seven (7) minutes to fill out the form. This is a follow-up to our 2022 survey....
New MISA Malawi NGC engages MACRA
New MISA Malawi National Governing Council met Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) officials at MACRA House in Blantyre on Friday, May 19, 2023 to explore possible areas of collaboration including effective management of developments in the...
MISA Malawi demands prosecution of MCP supporters for assaulting Times Group photojournalist
MISA Malawi demands immediate arrest and prosecution of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporters who assaulted Times Group photojournalist Francis Mzindiko. According to Mzindiko, over 15 people clad in the trademark MCP youths’ green suits assaulted him during...