Malawi
in the year under review is diversification. One of the print media publishing
giants, Times Group, has ventured into
television broadcasting and is set to also
venture into radio. On a positive note,
the move has created competition in the
broadcast sector and might force state
run MBC TV to be more professional
and competitive. The move, however, is
creating a media empire without much
plurality across its spectra as the same
people are responsible for creating all
the content for the various platforms
- Daily Times, Malawi News, Sunday
Times and Times Television.
In all respects, as noted in past reviews,
the print media has managed to establish itself as a true watchdog and continues to expose mismanagement of public
resources and the need for change and
it is fair to say that despite its urban-centric approach, the print media remains a
platform for critical debate and has been
very instrumental in keeping the executive under check.

LOOKING TO 2015
The year ahead promises more gains for
the media and democracy as a whole.
Several key bills – ATI, Communications
and the E-Transactions Bill, will likely be
tabled in Parliament in 2015. The challenge is not only to ensure these bills go
to Parliament, but that the final products
adhere to international instruments and
standards.

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So This is Democracy? 2014

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