cies recognize the importance of new media and ICTs in promoting national development. Internet penetration however, remains the lowest in the region at 6 percent with the majority of users being in urban centers. Low levels of computer literacy, high cost of internet services, poor infrastructure and erratic power supply continue to limit advances in ICTs. Despite these challenges, new media and ICTs remain an exciting platform for most Malawians in general and journalists specifically. A worrying trend is the desire by government to regulate and limit online expression. Government has developed draft legislation dealing with online regulation, which is currently with the Media and Communications Committee of Parliament for consultations after different stakeholders had raised concerns on a number of issues in the Bill. MISA Malawi had also raised concern over sections that limit free speech on the pretext of national security and public order. MISA Malawi argued that the sections were broad and open to abuse. Most media houses have online publications and the number of stand-alone online news sites is increasing. It is important to note that most of these sites have interactive features for user participation and most journalists are ‘blogging as a form of journalism to circumvent editorial control or self-censorship in mainstream media houses.’ The biggest challenge is however lack of professionalism in online content. The Chapter has since introduced awards to recognize on line professionalism as one way of promoting journalistic standards on line. The Chapter introduced an award called blogger of the year and Online Media House of the Year Award to recognize excellent blog- 40 So This is Democracy? 2015 gers and Online Media Outlets as one way of promoting ethical standards on the net. The Chapter is optimistic that the initiative will in the long term help improve the quality of journalism on line and make it more exciting and rewarding. LOOKING AT THE YEAR AHEAD 2016 Despite a hostile environment and an openly antagonistic government, the media continue to play a critical role in building Malawi’s democracy and holding elected officials accountable. The sector remained instrumental in exposing social injustices and abuse of power and public resources. In addition to accountability, the media continued to provide a platform for Malawians to freely discuss problems and solutions to improve the welfare of their communities. The punitive and litigious tendency of the government calls for more advocacy work in 2016 and beyond to rid the country of colonial laws that continue to be used to suppress critical voices and ensure respect for constitutional guarantees on media freedom, freedom of expression and right to information.