Malawi 1.4 Entry into and practice of the journalistic profession is legally unrestricted. ANALYSIS: There are no legal restrictions hindering entry into the profession of journalism. Press Cards are issued by the media houses themselves. Government used to issue such identification documents and police still does not always recognise press cards issued by the media houses. SCORES: Individual scores: 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5 Average score: 5.0 1.5 Protection of confidential sources of information is guaranteed by law. ANALYSIS: There is no such protection by law of confidential sources. The Media Council of Malawi’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct obliges all journalists to protect their confidential sources of information but this is not legally binding. Cases where journalists refused to reveal sources of information are usually not followed through by state authorities. They would have the power to prosecute but the appropriate legal instruments “sleep quietly until they are needed in really serious cases”. 8 African Media Barometer - Malawi 2006