WAY FORWARD The way forward 1. What were the developments in the media environment in the last two /three years? Positive developments • Granting of new television and radio licences • Repeal of Section 46 of the Penal Code • Reduction of threats to the media under the new regime • Appointment of press officers in each ministry, which should make government more available to the media • Repeal of 16,5 percent VAT on newspapers • Declaration by President Banda that MBC will be opened up to opposition/ alternative viewpoints • The successful lobby by the media for the amendment of the Civil Procedure Act, which required government to be given three days’ notice for getting an interdict against the state • The introduction of two new media products: The Business Times and Nkwaso. • Revival of the investigative desk at The Nation • General improvement of salaries and working conditions • Supportive content-sharing initiative between private and community radio stations Negative developments • Devaluation of the Kwacha • Harassment of journalists during the past regime, including: - the withdrawal of government advertising from The Nation; - attacks on civil society organisations shortly before the collapse of Mutharika’s government - Capital Radio shut down - Intimidation of journalists during press conferences. • Integrating vocal and strong civil society activists and key media personnel into the government • Journalists expecting payment to cover stories and events; compromising their ethical standards • Dormancy of the Media Council of Malawi due to financial reasons • The denial of information to the press with regard to the death of the former president • MACRA’s lack of transparency 64 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MALAWI 2012