Macra summons Mtumodzi, Dziko FM presenter: MBC told to do away with old equipment

Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) on Friday morning summoned Dziko Radio boss C hikumbutso Mtumodzi has warned that it will suspend the phone-in programme by the radio called ‘Kwachitikanji’  accusing the station of letting callers use hate speech.

Macra boss summoned Dziko Radio boss and presenter of the Kwachitikanji phone-in program, Joshua Malango after their programm ON June 1, 2016  allowed callers to criticise President Peter Mutharika and his government on the appointment of  new  commissioners at Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

“We have noted with great concern that the presenter  of the programme [Joshua Malango]  does not control callers during the programme and as a result callers  recklessly attack and defame individuals,” Macra  director general Godfrey Itaye said to Dziko Radio.

He warned Dziko Radio that allowing hate speech is in contravention of  Communications Act and  breach the  terms and conditions of their broadcasting licence.

But Mtumodzi blasted Itaye and Macra , saying Dziko FM radio  guarantees Malawians freedom of speech, saying “This is not MBC [ state broadcaster].”

Macra wants broadcasters to  have the profanity machine not to let hate speeches by callers to be heard.

Dziko FM is owned by Chikumbutso Mtumodzi the former presidential spokesman.

Under Chule Holdings, Dziko FM is being listened from 104.3 FM.

According to Mtumodzi, the station which is  broadcasting “via satellite live from Malawi’s  capital Lilongwe”, will pursue the principles of democracy, access and equity, especially for people and issues not adequately represented in other media outlets.

‘MBC  needs morden equipement’

Meanwhile, Malawi News Agency reports that the Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information and Communications has advised government to inject more resources to the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) to help in its infrastructure renovation and procurement of modern equipment.

Chairman of the committee Samuel Kawale informed  parliament that during the visit to MBC it was noted that most of the equipment being used at the institution is old and requires urgent replacement.

“The committee was not impressed with the state of the infrastructure and equipment of the broadcaster. The institution has very old equipment which is almost obsolete and requiring urgent replacement,” said Kawale.

The committee visited Zodiak Broadcasting Station, Times Group, Nations Publications, Telekom Networks Limited, Malawi Telecommunications Limited, Multichoice Malawi Limited and the Malawi Regulatory Authority (MACRA).

Kawale noted that most of the private media houses are investing a lot of money in modern equipment for both radio and television stations

He said during their interactions with several media managers, they requested for the removal of customs duty on broadcasting equipment as it makes the dissemination of information to the general public more expensive and for parliament to consider passing the Access to Information Bill into law when it is presented in the House.

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