Macra summons Zodiak over demonstrations ‘sensational’ coverage

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has summoned private owned Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) over what they say irresponsible coverage of demonstrations organised by Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC).

Macra Boss Godfrey Itaye: Zodiak coverage is sensational to incite violence

According to a summon dated  July 4 2019 signed by Macra director genera Godfrey Itaye  which Nyasa Times has seen, ZBS should unveil itself to the regulator offices in Blantyre  on Friday 5th July to discuss the manner in which the private broadcaster is covering  the demonostrations which started on Thursday and are scheduled to end Friday.

The media regulatory body notes that ZBS diverted from their usual broadcasting schedule and dedicated over 40 percent of their broadcast on updates of the said demonstrations which Itaye deemed sensational with potential of inciting violence.

“Whilst MACRA recognizes and encourages freedom of press, it is our belief that responsible broadcasting that could likely endanger public safety and security should at all times be observed.

“MACRA has observed that the manner in which you have conducted the broadcast may be deemed sensetionalization of the said demonstrations with the potential of inciting violence,” the letter reads in part.

Zodiak’s director of news and current affairs Gabriel Kamlomo said they will attend the meeting with Mcara and appreciate the regulator’s concern.

Kamlomo said Zodiak will always strike to be “professional media house.”

MACRA which is mandated to regulate the communications in Malawi is yet to lift the ban on all phone in programs in all radio stations and televisions across the country.

The state controlled MACRA placed the ban citing unethical and unprofessional conduct by some broadcasters.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :

Sharing is caring!

Follow us in Twitter
25 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
TOSH
4 years ago

ITAYE YU ARE VERY STUPID TRY IT AND YU ARE GOING TO FACE THE MUSIC

Gembe
Gembe
4 years ago

Summon MBC

CESSPOOL SIMALOTO
CESSPOOL SIMALOTO
4 years ago

BBC of Malawi the station that heads to the scene for actualities yet all others derive conclusions without any basis. Zodiak our news darling. An institution with high class correspondents across Malawi. May the House live and serve beyond a hundred years

Apumbwa
Apumbwa
4 years ago

Signs of oppressive regimes, they first attack media houses …….DPP you are walking a very thin rope

Maliseche a Pumbwa
Maliseche a Pumbwa
4 years ago

Doesn’t our constitution provide us with the:
1. The right to information
2. The right to assembly
3. The right of association

Is MACRA censoring media houses now??? When did they summon MBC for persistent, obessessive coverage of A Maliseche

Holly Tit
Holly Tit
4 years ago

Kodi Itaye nyumba yake iswedwa liti

Operation Chotsa Mbavaa
Operation Chotsa Mbavaa
4 years ago

This one is one of the main ring leaders of the thieving branch of MBAVAA club…. as he is closely linked to C.M. ( chief mbavaa) he is related to him. Has any agency ever tried or dared to investigate him… NO! WHY? coz no-one has the machakas. He has been in possession of over MwK 4B in his bank accounts…. HOW N WHERE did he get that? Obviously its OBVIOUS. MACRA is one of the main cash cows for dpp thugs n looters. Imagine this thief got his contract renewed by chief mbavaa when all proofs are available against… Read more »

Phingo Walusa
Phingo Walusa
4 years ago

Leave Zodiak pleaseeeee!

Kalekeni
Kalekeni
4 years ago

Are we not entitled to know what is truly happening on the ground? This is surely a way of people making informed decisions on how/when/where to make their safe movement …………..

Zangaphee@gmail.com
4 years ago

TORCH THE HUSES OF ALL MACRA EMPLOEES STARTING WITH ITAYE.THEN MOVE TO TORCH MBC WHERE STUPID PEOPLE BROADCAST STUPID TORIES

Read previous post:
Jacaranda Foundation boosts Limbe Primary School library with 1,000 reading books

Jacaranda Foundation, which operates free primary and secondary schools for over 400 orphaned learners in Newlands, Chigumula, has entirely renovated,...

Close