• ALERT Date: June 10, 2008 Person/institutions: Joy FM, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation and Malawi Television Violation/issue: Threatened The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) summoned Joy Radio Limited, owned by former President Bakili Muluzi, and state broadcasters Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and Television Malawi (TVM) for breaching the Broadcasting Services Code of Conduct. In a letter dated May 30, 2008 to Joy FM and signed by MACRA Director General Allexon Chiwaya, five charges against the station were listed. The letter further states that Joy FM’s reports relating to government and the president are not truthful, accurate and objective, contrary to Section 3(1) of the Broadcasting Services Code of Conduct. MACRA stated that MBC and TVM had breached the Broadcasting Services Code of Conduct in some of their programmes. • ALERT Date: June 19, 2008 Person/institutions: Wisdom Chimgwede/ Zodiak Broadcasting Station Violation/issue: Banned The Chinese Embassy in Malawi removed Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) Editor Wisdom Chimgwede from the list of journalists travelling to China on a media visit sponsored by the embassy. This followed instructions from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. The visit was planned for June 21, 2008. The Ministry on Information had earlier accused the editor of writing negatively about the government. An official from the embassy, David Zhang, confirmed receiving instructions from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education to remove Chimgwede’s name from the list. At a press briefing on June 17, 2008, Kaliati accused Chimgwede of circulating a document allegedly issued by the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) aimed at denting government’s image. • ALERT Date: July 9, 2008 Institutions: Joy FM Violation/issue: Threatened Malawi’s State House Press Officer Chikumbutso Mtumodzi on July 9 warned Joy FM against what he termed embarking on a disinformation crusade, airing libellous and slanderous programmes and playing derogatory lyrics against President Bingu wa Mutharika. In a press statement, Mtumodzi also accused the opposition United Democratic Front UDF); its chairperson, former president Bakili Muluzi; and station Manager Peter Chisale of being architects of the alleged disinformation campaign against the president and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). • ALERT Date: July 10, 2008 Institutions: Joy FM Violation/issue: Charged, Threatened/banned Immigration authorities on July 10 stormed Joy FM premises searching for foreigners allegedly employed by the station. The incident happened barely a day after State House Press Officer Chikumbutso Mtumodzi warned the station against what he termed embarking on a disinformation crusade. Mtumodzi also alleged that the station’s manager, Peter Chisale, was a Zambian and threatened to deport him. But Chisale has refuted the State House’s claims, arguing his station is professional and that he is a bonafide Malawian. Joy FM, which is owned by former President Bakili Muluzi, has operated on constant threats of closure by government. So This Is Democracy? 2008 -52- Media Institute of Southern Africa