SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.3 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 4, 2, 1 4.0 (2006 = 2.6) Efforts are undertaken to increase the scope of circulation of the media, particularly to rural communities ANALYSIS: There have not been any new publications specifically for rural Communities. The reach of existing publications in the rural areas is assisted by the establishment of rural libraries by civil society such as the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE). SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.4 3, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2 2.3 (2006 = 1.5) Broadcasting legislation has been passed and is implemented that provides for a conducive environment for public, commercial and community broadcasting ANALYSIS: The existing legislation is the Communications Act 1998 which creates a unitary regulatory body, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA). The regulator is responsible for telecommunications, postal services and the broadcasting sector in line with the Communications Sector Policy Statement of 1998. MACRA has altered the licence rules of broadcasting without the amending of the Act. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.5 4, 5, 4, 4, 5, 4, 4, 1, 4 3.9 (2006 = 3.3) Community broadcasting enjoys special promotion given its potential to broaden access by poor and rural communities ANALYSIS: Under the licence revision, community broadcasting has been broadened To include ‘private community’ licensees. The initiative, however, does not give special dispensation to the sector. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score; So This Is Democracy? 2008 1, 1, 2, 1, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1 1.3 (2006 = 1.9) -182- Media Institute of Southern Africa