Malawi’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technology asks the country’s media regulator, MACRA, to take disciplinary action against two broadcasters—Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) and Luntha TV. The government says it has concerns about alleged recurring breaches of broadcasting standards and journalistic ethics by the stations. In a statement released by the ministry, information minister Dr. Shadric Namalomba indicates the government has submitted a complaint to MACRA and is seeking proceedings against the two outlets.
One allegation highlighted in reporting about the complaint is that ZBS broadcast content described as false, including a specific claim that a ZBS transmission falsely reported information involving President Arthur Peter Mutharika. The government’s position is that these actions warrant regulatory review and possible disciplinary measures.
Both outlets’ potential exposure to MACRA proceedings stems from the government’s request for enforcement of broadcasting rules. The available reports do not specify what penalties MACRA could impose or the exact next procedural steps, but they confirm that the issue is before the regulator following the ministry’s complaint.
