MISA Malawi protest over ban on parlimentary proceedings coverage

Information and Civic Education Minister, Patricia Kaliati announced last week that they have banned live coverage of parliamentary proceedings by the state broadcasters, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and Television Malawi.

She said the government position was that language used in the August House was "sensitive."

MISA Malawi chairperson, Martines Namingha expressed concern over government's decision to ban live broadcasts of parliamentary proceedings saying it is an infringement on freedom of the media.

Namingha said the live coverage was enabling free dissemination of information to the public and government's action is a violation of the public's right to access information as stipulated in the Republican Constitution.

“We are very surprised to note that the ban comes from the executive arm of government yet the media gets accreditation from the legislature,” said Namingha in a letter the body has written the ministry.

“We also feel that the ban would have been preceded by consultation of all stakeholders,” he further says.

Namingha said the media body views the ban as counterproductive as it robs the public a rare opportunity to check their MPs on either side of the House.

“...MISA therefore appeals to government to reconsider its decision and allow live broadcasts of parliamentary proceedings,” he says.

Kaliati has acknowledged receipt of the letter and promised to respond soon.

MISA Malawi says, as an advocate of media freedom and freedom of expression, it would be glad if the opportunity was extended to many media houses to cover live parliamentary proceedings for the public to fully follow what transpires in the National Assembly.

The parliamentary media and communications committee chairperson, Berson Lijenda also shares this sentiment.

Parliamentary media and communications committee chairperson, Berson Lijenda, while speaking on the matter in parliament on Tuesday, said it is wrong for government to take this step when it was the private media that came up with the idea to cover the proceedings live in the first place.