(MISA/IFEX) – Parliament has rejected an application by the newly launched Zodiak Radio station to cover live proceedings of the House. The national legislature has been sitting since October 11 2005. Zodiak Radio Managing Director Gospel Kazako told MISA Malawi that Parliament did not give any reason for its decision. “I am concerned because I […]
(MISA/IFEX) – Parliament has rejected an application by the newly launched Zodiak Radio station to cover live proceedings of the House. The national legislature has been sitting since October 11 2005.
Zodiak Radio Managing Director Gospel Kazako told MISA Malawi that Parliament did not give any reason for its decision. “I am concerned because I wanted the people in the village to follow what their representatives are discussing,” said Kazako.
Speaker of Parliament Louis Chimango inferred that the decision was based on the station’s recent arrival on the scene. “I do not want to be discourteous. We need to grow together both the media and us. Even in the British set-up, it took time,” Chimango said.
Deputy Clerk of parliament Stanslas Chisanu, whose office issued the letter, said Parliament was not sure about the station’s competence. “Zodiak is new and has not broadcast anything but music. They cannot start with a serious assignment like Parliament.”
However, MISA Malawi national director Charles Simango described the rejection as a direct violation of the Bill of Rights that is enshrined in the Malawi Constitution. “The station was given a licence to broadcast because the licensing body knew the station was competent. Parliament is not a licensing authority,” Simango said. He added that MISA Malawi would take the matter to the courts if Parliament did not rescind its decision.
Malawi Parliament is covered by the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation and Malawi Television in evening broadcasts. Newspapers also cover the House.
