Zodiak barred from covering Mutharika function live
Malawi’s leading private radio station, Zodiak, has been barred by government from covering live the launch of Presidential Sports Initiative on Saturday to be led by dictator Bingu wa Mutharika.
Zodiak had applied to Ministry of Information for accreditation to have access of covering the event live on its popular radio station.
But government the accreditation has been denied by government, saying only state broadcaster MBC radio and television have the rights for the event.
“I regret to advise that permission has not been granted for your Zodiak Broadcasting Station to broadcast ‘live’ the launch of the Presidential Initiative on Sports which will be held on Saturday, 18th February 2012 at Kamuzu Stadium in the city of Blantyre and will be presided over by the State President, His Excellency Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika,” reads a memo to Zodiak by Signed by secretary for information James Kalirangwe.
The memo dated 17th Feb, 2012 also said: “Please be advised that the event will only be covered ‘live’ by the state broadcaster, MBC radio and TV.”
Zodiak management confirmed receipt of the memo, seen by Nyasa Times, Ref. No. MICE/CONF/02/15.
However, Zodiak opted not to make any comment.
Zodiak has been making several live coverage professionally including the 2009 presidential and parliamentary election results.
The radio, which has grown in popularity amongst Malawians beating the ratings of MBC, also covers live football matches
