Malawi’s former broadcasters get a second chance

Malawi’s communications regulator has opened the door to a possible return of several broadcasters that went off air in recent years, a move industry observers say could reshape the country’s media landscape. The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority has begun reviewing licenses it revoked over the past decade, targeting broadcasters, several content service providers and a courier operator. In a public notice issued in March, Acting Director General Mayamiko Nkoloma invited former licensees to reapply and have their cases reconsidered, with those who meet regulatory requirements potentially having their licenses reinstated.

The regulator said the call applies to all eligible former licensees whose permits were withdrawn within the past 10 years, with broadcasters making up the majority of those invited. They include FM101 Radio, Beyond FM, CFC TV, Galaxy FM, Touch of Faith Radio, Usisya Community Radio, Rainbow TV, Maziko Radio, Dziko FM and Sapitwa FM. These broadcast organizations once served communities with news, religious programming and entertainment before going silent after losing their licenses, with closures linked to non-payment of license fees that owners attributed to the country’s difficult economic conditions.

Financial capacity

Former broadcasters say the review offers a chance to rebuild what was lost and reconnect with audiences that disappeared after shutdowns. Bashir Amin, former producer and head of news and current affairs at Sapitwa FM, says the opportunity to reapply could help restore those relationships. “We had unique and interactive content that attracted our audience. I am sure many people have missed the station.” He adds that a return could bring relief to listeners who had built a personal connection with presenters, noting that the connection was cut off when the station closed.

MACRA says the initiative is intended to promote administrative justice, transparency and fair regulation, with each case assessed individually. The regulator says it will focus on whether applicants can demonstrate financial capacity to operate sustainably before making reinstatement decisions. “Successful applicants will be expected to settle outstanding license fees and penalties under agreed terms,” reads part of the statement, underscoring the financial conditions attached to any return.

The review follows a wave of closures that has raised concerns about shrinking media diversity and access to information nationwide. The Malawi chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Malawi) estimates that more than 15 radio stations were shut down between 2024 and 2025. Golden Matonga, chairperson of MISA Malawi, describes the review as a positive step but warns that deeper structural challenges must be addressed to ensure long-term sustainability. “As MISA, we welcome the opportunity granted to broadcasters. However, we believe there is a need to review the circumstances under which these licenses were withdrawn,” Matonga says, adding that the economic environment contributed significantly to closures and that in at least one case, political factors may have been involved. He says underlying issues must be addressed to avoid repeating the same situation, particularly as the cost of running a broadcasting service in Malawi has become increasingly burdensome for smaller and community-based stations.

Disproportionate impact

Matonga says MISA Malawi has been advocating for a review of broadcasting fees, highlighting the impact of costs pegged to the U.S. dollar and high co-siting charges. He says there is a need to engage stakeholders to understand better how these factors are affecting the viability of many broadcasters. The Malawi government has indicated it is considering addressing some of these concerns, with Minister of Information Shadreck Namalomba saying authorities are reviewing license fees that many broadcasters describe as too high.

Media analysts say the closure of smaller broadcasters has had a disproportionate impact on rural and underserved communities, where radio remains the primary source of news and information. Clement Chinoko, a multimedia journalist in Blantyre, says community stations such as Usisya Community Radio and Sapitwa FM once played a key role in delivering local content, including health information, agricultural advice and civic education. He says their closure did not just reduce the number of broadcasters but also weakened platforms for community participation and local accountability.

MACRA, however, stresses that the review process does not guarantee automatic reinstatement, emphasizing that operational readiness and financial sustainability will be central to any decision. The regulator says each application will be assessed on its merits before approval is granted. MISA Malawi says the initiative has raised hope that some of Malawi’s silent radio stations could soon return, restoring voices many listeners have long missed.

The author reports on the industry from Blantyre, Malawi.

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