2.6 The editorial independence of print media published by a public authority is protected adequately against undue political interference ANALYSIS: The Government publishes the Weekly News, Boma Lathu and This is Malawi which all carry government positions. The publications are under the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. Employees are civil servants and the editorial policy is guided by the proprietor of the day, the incumbent government, through the Ministry. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 1, 1, 1, 1, 3, 2, 2, 1, 1 1.4 (2006 = 1.6) 2.7 Independent news agencies gather and distribute information for all ANALYSIS: Apart from the government news agency, Malawi News Agency (MANA), there are no independent news agencies in Malawi. There are, however, efforts by local entrepreneurs to establish news Agencies, although the market does not seem favourable due to the proliferation of foreign news sources on the internet. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.8 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 1.0 (2006 = 1.0) Media diversity is promoted through adequate competition regulation/ legislation ANALYSIS: Anyone interested in operating a media firm in Malawi is required to register their firm with the Registrar of Companies. There is also MACRA that licences broadcasters. A Fair Trading and Competition Act which establishes a Competition Commission has been in existence since 2005. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: So This Is Democracy? 2008 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 1 1.7 (2006 = 2.1) -183- Media Institute of Southern Africa