Malawi
SECTOR 2:
2.1

The media landscape is characterised by diversity,
independence and sustainability.

A wide range of sources of information (print,
broadcasting, internet) is available and affordable to
citizens.

ANALYSIS:
Print media
Malawi has a mix of private and government print ownership. In
the absence of an Audit Bureau of Circulation, it is not possible to
establish actual circulation figures for the publications.
The major publications are the following:
·

State owned – the Department of Information publishes the
Weekly News in English with a circulation of 2,000; it
carries no commercial adverts. The other is a vernacular
(Chichewa) monthly, called Boma Lathu (Our Government)
with a circulation of 50,000 which is circulated free
of charge. It also does not carry any advertising. The
department also publishes a glossy quarterly magazine, This
is Malawi, in English, with a circulation of 5,000.

·

The biggest private owner is the Chayamba Trust, a trust of
the family of the late Dr Kamuzu Banda. As part of this
trust, Blantyre Newspapers Limited publishes the Daily
Times, the weekly Malawi News and the Sunday Times.
The print-run of publications in this stable is estimated at
around 20,000 for the daily and 40,000 for the weekenders,
with a minimum of 5 readers per copy.

·
Nation Publications Limited belongs to the family of
politician-businessman Aleke Banda. It publishes the Daily
African Media Barometer - Malawi 2006

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