Macra summons MBC for hearing over HRDC description of terrorist group

Broadcasters regulator, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has summoned Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) for hearing over a news bulletin which referred to Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) as terrorist group.

Itaye: MBC standards have gone to the dogs

In a letter addressed to MBC’s Director-General Aubrey Sumbuleta,  Macra bemoans what it calls dwindling standards at the taxpayers-funded broadcaster.

The letter, dated January 20, 2020 also refers to a broadcast where a guest in a program, in reference to alleged rape cases in Msundwe, described rape as something that is done with consent from the victim.

“MACRA, through its monitoring system, has observed with concern the dwindling standards of your broadcasts within the past days.

“To substantiate the point above, we are in possession of a recording which was extracted from the news bulletin broadcast on 16th January 2020 in which your news reader referred to the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) as gulu la za uchifwamba (terrorist group)”.

MACRA says these statements were abusive and insulting as well as likely to affect public order and tranquility contrary to the communications act.

In a telephone interview, Macra director general Symon Itaye confirmed summoning MBC but said their action is based on their records and not public pressure or complaint from HRDC.

The hearing is scheduled for 09:00 hours on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.

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achairda
achairda
4 years ago

Godfrey are you a chameleone?

Nalingula
Nalingula
4 years ago

If some People still think that this is Malawi of 1980’s like MBC still does…They will be swept away Those that were born in 1994 are in their 20′ s …Those that were 18 when Multiparty was coming ….Are in their 40’s and scratching their Heads ….and Asking Is this the Change we Wanted …So that a Few should Loot and Plunder and Divide …The Number of those who still Believe That Ufulu ndi Nsima Basi is becoming Smaller like Everton Matafale already Prophesized in the Song ….Malawi ….SO if You don’t wake Up you will be Swept Away by… Read more »

Nalingula
Nalingula
4 years ago
Reply to  Nalingula

Evison Matafale

Mr. Maliseche alephera kudyetsa ziphuphu ma judge
Mr. Maliseche alephera kudyetsa ziphuphu ma judge
4 years ago

A Itaye mukufuna muoneke abwino lero? Aren’t you part of the crap that has led to this nonsense?

kanchenga
kanchenga
4 years ago

Suddenly everybody has decided to start doing the job they are paid for. Suddenly awake not to be caught sleeping through a revolution. BRASS CONSTRUCTION song times are changing.

Nthawi yakwana
Nthawi yakwana
4 years ago

Because you have seen that DPP is packing within days, nde muyambe kusendela. We already know you Mr. Itaye, don’t waste your time now it’s too late.

Nyaphapi One
4 years ago

What is this about? Lero limeneli!

Philosopher
Philosopher
4 years ago

DPP have lost the elections case. When you see parastatal heads start acting faithful, just know that they are trying to impress the next government. (Ndangodutsamo ine si wa ndale)

Mbonga Matoga
Mbonga Matoga
4 years ago

When did Macra came to its senses to notice the dwindling standards at MBC?

It seems to me now that everyone is convinced that the election case ruling will be in favour of the petitioners or the opposition, every Jim and jack is now trying to do the job they were employed to do but until now were not doing it to please DPP.

And now since they know that DPP is on its death bed they are trying to please the in coming new govt……koma uhule uli ku Malawi ndiomvetsa chisoni.

Mandado@147
Mandado@147
4 years ago

dpp stunts take the to court demand 500 million basi macra is a sellout

Kuthakwanasi
Kuthakwanasi
4 years ago

Ma cadet nokha-nokha working for the same master mudzudzulana chani? I question the objectivity and usefulness of this hearing. This, to me, is some silly window dressing

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