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
Reflections on the Spaces of Solidarity (SoS) Conference Agenda
Esteemed Colleagues As we open this Second Day’s Session of our Summit, which will straddle the end of the 3rd year of the Spaces of Solidarity as a Forum, I am privileged to say that as a people, we have every reason to be proud of our historic efforts towards...
MISA Regional Chairperson`s opening remarks at the 2024 Spaces of Solidarity
Dear Colleagues Kindly allow me to kickstart my speech by riding on the protocols observed from yesterday’s summit. As a journalist educator, I found yesterday’s session informative and interesting. I will undoubtedly be one of the most eager participants in similar...
Submissions to the All Africa Judges and Jurists Summit, Nairobi, Kenya, 18 September 2024
by MISA Regional Director Dr Tabani Moyo My Lords, My Ladies, the leadership of the Africa Judges and Jurists Forum (AJJF), distinguished delegates to the All Africa Judges and Jurists Summit, it is a great honour for MISA to engage in this august meeting on the...
MISA engages SADC CSOs and stakeholders in the operationalisation of regional Non-State Actors’ mechanism
MISA participated in the SADC Non-State Actors Forum Engagement Meeting held on 11 and 12 August, 2024 in Harare. The meeting sought to operationalise the SADC Non-State Actors Engagement Mechanism. The meeting brought together the SADC Secretariat, the Southern...
Malawi Law Society pledges to support MISA Malawi in defending media freedom
MISA Malawi and Malawi Law Society (MLS) have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will see the two organisations cooperating in the protection and promotion of media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information in Malawi. MISA Malawi...