State of print media The print media continues to be dominated by two media houses with each one producing three publications: a daily, a Saturday newspaper and a Sunday newspaper. Some new entrants also joined the fray in 2008, notably the Weekend Express from the Malawi Institute of Journalism (MIJ) and The News, a weekly publication. Journalists from the Malawi print media shone on the both the international and regional map with Brian Ligomeka scooping the WHO/Stop TB Award for Excellence in Reporting TB, while Charles Mpaka and Mike Chipalasa laid their hands on the John Manyarara Investigative Journalism Award, a MISA regional media award. Projections for next year The year 2009 is a watershed period for media practice in Malawi. The political stakes have never been higher and the media will not be spared the heat. Political influence on editorial decisions may come in an overt or covert manner. There is likely to be an influx of newspapers with various political agendas in the run-up to elections and the MCM should brace itself for many complaints on media reporting. So This Is Democracy? 2008 -46- Media Institute of Southern Africa