Malawi parliament challenges MACRA on licence delays

A Dowa East MP Bauleni Manna said if Malawi had more television stations, this aspect of media will improve quality on one side while on another side consumers will benefit.

"MACRA is taking too long to issue licences for radio and television stations while at the same time charging exorbitant fees in foreign currency when applicants start the processes that are never complete," he said.

Disregard in delays deemed undemocratic

Another member of parliament, Jolly Kalelo, himself a former broadcaster, complained that MACRA's disregard to issuing licences in time is in itself undemocratic.

"This is denying Malawians opportunity to sample alternative media news so that they can make informed choices which is a prerequisite in a democracy," said Kalelo.

This was all prompted by a report that was presented in the August House by the Media and Communications Committee after visiting almost all media houses in the country between November 2009 and August 2010.

MACRA spokesperson Zadziko Mankhambo said he was not ready to make any comment on the matter yet.