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Malawi Broadcasters, Media Freedom Group Criticize Call-In Shows Suspension

Lameck Masina

   BLANTYRE - Supporters of press freedom in Malawi are denouncing a
   government order suspending all radio and television call-in programs.
   Malawi's Communications Regulatory Authority issued the order on
   Friday, saying it is concerned that the programs could trigger more
   post-election violence.

   A host on Malawi's privately-owned Capital Radio station reads text
   messages from listeners on her show.

   The station is known for broadcasting lively chat shows about politics
   and society but has been forced to engage with listeners via social
   media.

   On Friday, Malawi's Communications Regulatory Authority, MACRA ordered
   all broadcasters to immediately and indefinitely suspend call-in shows.

   Capital Radio's director Alaudin Osman said the suspension has dealt a
   blow to their normal programming.

   "We are quite angry and disappointed about this. In fact, our immediate
   reaction was to send MACRA message that this is unfair because most of
   our programs on Capital Radio are talk programs, now the blanket
   suspension affects all us," said Osman.

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