It has been reported that Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) has considered lifting its suspension of phone-in radio programs. This follows an intervention by Media Institute for Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi, that argued that the ban is not only inhibiting the freedom of expression, but may lead to loss of revenue for broadcasters.

Misa-Malawi Chairperson Teresa Ndanga confirmed that authority was requested to appeal against the suspension. Ndanga said that instead of a suspension, Macra could have instructed the broadcasters on how the Phone-in programs would be conducted without violating the Communications Act. However Ndanga disclaimed about what the conditions of the ban lift would be; “When they lift the suspension and we see the conditions, we will then decide what to do next because we are not yet sure whether lifting the suspension will be wholesale or in part” she said.

Sure enough, the ban (active for 2 weeks now) has negatively affected the revenue, especially considering that phone-in programming requires airtime by service providers, broadcasters have prime time coverage which is good for adverts and broadcaster profits.