SECTOR 3 Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 3.8 (2010 = 3.2; 2008 = 3.4; 2006 = 3.6) 3.10 The state/public broadcaster offers balanced and fair information in news and current affairs, reflecting the full spectrum of diverse views and opinions. In terms of news and current affairs, political stories take priority on MBC TV and radio, with issues about the president and ruling party generally dominating. “The president is the news, even if it is not newsworthy. There is always a story about the president on MBC TV and radio news.” Since Joyce Banda came into power, some positive changes have been noticed, with a story about the president sometimes taking second or third place in a TV or radio news bulletin. Political news coverage is starting to become slightly more diverse, but is still not regarded as balanced or fair, with too few opposition voices being heard on the national broadcaster. In terms of other news issues, panellists noted that MBC was definitely far more fair and balanced, representing more than one side of each story. The two MBC radio stations offer a much wider variety of programmes, than the state TV station. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MALAWI 2012 47