Malawi SCORES: Individual scores: 1, 2, 1, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2 Average score: 1.5 2.4 Broadcasting legislation has been passed and is implement ed that provides for a conducive environment for public, commercial and community broadcasting. ANALYSIS: The Communications Act, 1998, established the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority MACRA which regulates telecommunications, postal services and the broadcasting sector. Despite allegations that MACRA is amending and bending its own regulations at the whim of board members, nobody so far has been refused permission to start a radio station. Limiting factors are an annual licence fee of US$ 5.000 to be paid to MACRA and a general lack of funds in the country that hampers investment in more radio or TV stations. SCORES: Individual scores: 3, 3, 4, 5, 3, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4 Average score: 3.3 2.5 Community broadcasting enjoys special promotion given its potential to broaden access by poor and rural communities. ANALYSIS: Community radio stations came on the scene in Malawi only seven years after the airwaves had been opened up. In the initial phase they depend heavily on international donors. Government seems to be suspicious of the idea of geographically based community radios, African Media Barometer - Malawi 2006 15