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: 2.6 (2010 = 3.1; 2008 = 1.3; 2006 = 2.1) 3.11 The state/public broadcaster offers as much diverse and creative local content as economically achievable. Panellists felt that the MBC radio stations, in particular, were offering more local and diverse non-political content than any other radio station in the country, including programmes on agriculture, developmental issues, education, women and girls, health in general and HIV-AIDS specifically. MBC Radio One and Two offer about 95 percent local programming, which exceeds the content stipulation of the Communications Act, which demands that MBC offer 60 percent local content and 40 percent international programming. “Only news and politics disturbs the balance.” Three years ago, MBC TV had about 15 percent local content. This percentage has now swelled to over 90 percent. “Even though the resources are limited and the technological equipment is inadequate, the quality of MBC programmes, especially on radio, is very good.” Panellists felt that MBC’s local programmes could be more creative, however. Television shows, especially, comprise many talk shows. MBC also has radio listeners’ clubs around the country, where MBC provides recorders to the club members, who identify topical issues that they feel are important. The ensuing discussions are recorded and sent to the MBC to be broadcast. “MBC radio works more with the grassroots level than any other Malawian radio station. Through the radio listening clubs, questions are raised by the communities and possible solutions are offered. Mostly, politicians or district officials respond to these programmes in a very positive way.” 48 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MALAWI 2012