Tipp-ex election: MACRA suspends phone in programs

Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has suspended phone in programs in all media houses as one way of containing the ongoing post-election violence by Malawians especially Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporters.

The suspension has been disclosed in a statement released on Friday signed by MACRA Director General Godfrey Itaye made available to faceofmalawi reporter.

Itaye has attributed the suspension to unethical and careless coverage of post-election events by most local radio stations.

“The Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has noted with regret the conduct of some broadcasters who are indulging themselves in careless and unethical coverage of post-election events. The Authority would like to inform broadcasters to that such broadcast have the potential to incite the masses into violence.

“The Authority is hereby suspending all phone in programs with immediate effect until further notice,” reads in part the statement.

MACRA has since advised broadcasters to conduct themselves in a professional manner.

Meanwhile  media activists have however described the decision as suppression of media freedom.