TVM’s content is challenged by foreign programming and soap operas. The latest additions are free religious feeds from international spiritual channels. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 4, 4 4.3 (2006 = 3.2) OVERALL SCORE FOR SECTOR 3: 2.3 (2006 = 2.3) Sector 4: The media practice high levels of professional standards 4.1 The media follow voluntary codes of professional standards which are enforced by self-regulatory bodies ANALYSIS: The Malawi media has several journalistic codes. These include the Malawi Media Council Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 1995, revised 1999; the Third Schedule of the Communications Act 1998; the Malawi Electoral Commission Code for Media in Elections Coverage and the draft Broadcasting Policy. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 4.2 5, 4, 4, 3, 4, 5, 5, 5, 3 4.2 (2006 = 3.0) The standard of reporting follows the basic principles of accuracy and fairness ANALYSIS: From an audience point of view, there have been few complaints to the Media Council and MACRA to signal dissatisfaction with the general objectivity and fairness by the media. There have also been very few litigation cases involving the media. In practise, however, there are observable leanings by the media to either the right or the left of the political spectrum, thus compromising the degree of their fairness. There are also attempts at sensationalising stories by use of picture, headlining and self-justification. These result in retraction of stories, apologia and corrigenda. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: So This Is Democracy? 2008 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5, 4 3.8 (2006 = 2.6) -190- Media Institute of Southern Africa