2.9 Government promotes a political and economic environment which allows a diverse media landscape ANALYSIS: The government-media relationship does not indicate a conscious effort of government to promote media diversity. The Communications Sector Policy 1998 is emphatic on regulation rather than media diversity. The licensing problems of Joy Tv seem to indicate some resistance towards media diversity Although print media registered with the Postmaster General have concessionary rates for distribution of printed matter, the service is unreliable such that publishers prefer to do own deliveries to sells outlets and subscribers. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.10 3, 1, 2, 2, 3, 2, 3, 2, 2 2.2 (2006 = 3.8) Private media outlets operate as efficient and professional businesses ANALYSIS: There is evidence of efficiency and professionalism in the private media. This can be evidenced by the fact that there has been significant expansion in radio signal on FM, and that no radio station has folded in Malawi. There have also been no significant print media casualties. The annual media awards by the National Media Institute of Southern Africa (NAMISA) have also assisted in professionalizing the media as many vie for the annual awards. No one media outlet has monopolised these awards, and that serves as evidence of intense competition in the production of quality output. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.11 4, 4, 4, 3, 4, 3, 4, 4, 4 3.8 (2006 = 3.7) State media are not subsidized with tax payers’ money ANALYSIS: Government print and broadcast media are financed from the state budget. The production of the print media, however, is intermittent and carries minimal to no advertising. Broadcasters MBC and TVM received 50 percent funding in 2006 and no penny in 2007 from the national budget for perceived lack of professionalism. They continued to be funded through votes other than their submissions. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: So This Is Democracy? 2008 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 3 1.2 (2006 = 2.1) -184- Media Institute of Southern Africa