Macra, Cosoma sign MoU to promote local content

Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma) to protect artists and their works, particularly those whose works are broadcast.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at Macra offices in Blantyre on Monday, Macra director general Godfrey Itaye said they enforce the development of local content.

“We require that 60 percent of what is being broadcast must be local. We are striving to achieve this goal although some of the broadcasters are yet to fullfil this requirement.

“We need to, therefore, create partnerships that will ensure that copyright works are protected, artists are fairly remunerated and ensure what is broadcast by our broadcasters is safe for the consumption of the public at large,” he said.

Itaye noted that some broadcasters are struggling to achieve to develop local content for broadcast because of resources.

“There are some structures that need to be fully developed to ensure that local content production becomes viable and something people are looking forward to be entertained with. There are some areas we need to beef up to make sure that local content production is growing,” he said.

On her part, Cosoma chief executive officer Dorah Makwinja said they provide licences to broadcasters to use of copyright works and they expect to get information on the copyright works that have been used.

She said: “We expect to get information on copyrights that have been used by the broadcaster. We used to have challenges to access adequate data, this MoU will help us to collect data from Macra that will improve our distribution substantially.”

The MoU provides for a number of processes including use of technical expertise, capacity building, investigation and determination of cases, consultations on certain regulations, monitoring and enforcement of relevant provisions of the Acts that govern the broadcasting services and artistic works.