High Court says ban of phone-in programmes by MACRA illegal

The High Court in Lilongwe has ruled that the ban of radio phone-in programmes by Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) was illegal and lacks basis.

Last year MACRA banned all phone-in programmes on the basis that the programmes were promoting hatred among Malawians after the nullified May 21, 2019 polls which saw President Peter Mutharika being declared winner.

MACRA accused some media houses of airing material that has potential to incite masses into violence.

The move attracted criticisms from all corners with Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter obtaining an injunction to stop the ban.

MISA Malawi went further by seeking court interpretation on the matter and the ruling was scheduled for today in the capital Lilongwe.

Delivering a ruling, a panel of three Judges led by Judge Chifundo Kachale ruled in favour of MISA Malawi.

The court then ordered Macra to pay the costs, to be determined by the applicants.

More details to follow..