Africa

Malawi

{This graph represents scores that have been modified by CIMA so that higher scores indicate a better media situation. It is intended to show trends over time; each index measures significantly different factors of press freedom. To see an explanation for how this graph was created, click here.}

IREX Score: 2.35	[IREX Methodology]
{Higher is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 4.00}

IREX Description:

For the first time since the advent of modern democracy in Malawi, one political party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), dominates the parliament. The media played a significant role in the run-up to the election, but at the same time, politicians grossly undermined the public broadcasters. Despite the Malawi Communications Act (1998) requirement that the airwaves be open to all political players during the campaign period, the media gave the ruling party the most positive coverage by far. This was evident in weekly reports published in the local press and provided by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) and Malawi Electoral Commission. Any coverage of opposition parties tended to be negative. The private media also had their shortcomings, but mostly were more responsive to the MACRA and MEC reports, adapting their coverage when they were shown to be favoring one party over another.

The elections provided a welcome boost to media companies, as political parties sought advertising space and other stakeholders placed advertisements for civic education purposes. At the same time, ordinary people consumed more media products to keep up with events. Public broadcasters also benefited by acquiring modern equipment, enabled by the government's interest in beefing up production. While the global financial crisis impacted Malawi, MSI panelists said that the media were not badly affected—despite the demise of a weekly newspaper, The News, which closed down during the first half of 2009. Malawi's two newspaper companies, Nation Publications Limited and Blantyre Newspapers Limited, continue to dominate the print market, while no new entries appeared on the broadcast spectrum.

Africa

Malawi

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Freedom House Score: 55 (Partly Free)	[Freedom House Methodology]
{Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 100}