Malawian journalists commemorate World Press Freedom Day in regulating the media industry in Malawi. 3. Statutory regulation can be used to victimise independent journalists and media houses once the Council is set-up. There is a huge risk of political and economic interference in statutory media regulation. (13) This is contested by MISA Malawi chairperson Golden Matonga who argues that the move to statutory media regulation threatens media freedom and independence and that the shift will not only erode the free and assertive nature of the Malawi media but also instil fear in journalists and open doors for direct political interference in media operations. Sexual harassment of women journalists online and offline Media self-regulation is the only viable model that is inspired by the willingness of media practitioners themselves to promote professionalism by being responsible and accountable in their work. Section 6 of Malawi’s Gender Equality Act says “a person commits an act of sexual harassment if he or she engages in any form of unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature in circumstances in which a reasonable person, having regard to all the circumstances, would have anticipated that the other person would be offended, humiliated or intimidated.” (14) Matonga believes that the Council should seriously reflect on its desire to adopt a statutory regulation model for Malawi based on the following reasons: 1. The State cannot be trusted not to abuse the legislative process. In respecting the principles of media freedom and independence, media regulation should be voluntary and selfinitiated. Being found liable for sexual harassment attracts a K1,000,000 (US$588) fine and five years’ imprisonment. Despite the law being in force, there were no new reported cases of sexual harassment in Malawi in 2023, although the courts continued to hear a case in which former Malawi Broadcasting Corporation director general 2. The State can amend the Bill or law at any stage of law drafting or implementation. The government will frame the Bill or the law to suit its political interests. 49 STATE OF PRESS FREEDOM IN SOUTHERN AFRICA 2023