National News

Court saves Galaxy FM from Macra ban

The High Court in Blantyre on Friday saved Galaxy FM from a one-month ban the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) placed on the radio station stopping it from live broadcasts of political rallies.

The station reportedly broadcast live a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rally held at Makhetha in Blantyre where DPP director of women’s affairs, Patricia Kaliati, allegedly made disparaging remarks about President Joyce Banda.

courtMacra confirmed in a response to a questionnaire about the one-month ban on Galaxy FM.

But Galaxy FM management rushed to court on Friday where High Court judge Dunstain Mwaungulu granted the radio station an injunction, effectively putting aside the Macra ban until an inter-parties hearing of the matter.

Macra told The Nation that on April 27 2014, Galaxy FM broadcast a live DPP rally at Makhetha where Kaliati used hate speech and abusive language against the President.

The regulatory body’s spokesperson, Clara Mulonya, said this was contrary to the Third Schedule of the Communications Act which prohibits broadcasters from using such language.

Mulonya said the Broadcasters Complaints Committee previously met the station on issues of political coverage, tone of language by presenters during broadcasts or in general, unprofessional conduct and that the station agreed to change.

 

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