The Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority has issued a warning against live broadcasting which is not compliant to the Ministry of Information’s regulations that state that live broadcasting must involve a delay machine.
The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology promulgated the Communications Regulations, stating that no broadcaster shall conduct a live broadcast without the aid of a delay machine. A circular signed by Macra Director General Godfrey Itaye, reads, “Pursuant to this provision, to this provision you are hereby prohibited from carrying out any live broadcast until you are in compliance with this provision. The directive is with immediate effect”
The circular was directed to all broadcasters, especially concerning the 6th August demonstrations. In early June, Macra suspended radio programming that involves phone calls from listeners. In a statement released by the Macra’s Director General, the suspension was justified by citing “careless and unethical coverage of post elections events” by broadcasters.