Govt starts disciplinary caution on Zodiak, Luntha TV

Government has called on the Malawi Communications Regulatory (MACRA) to begin disciplinary proceedings against Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) and Luntha TV, accusing the two media houses of breaching journalistic ethics and broadcasting codes.

In a press release issued today on Wednesday, Minister of Information and Communications Technology Shadric Namalomba said ZBS recently broadcast a false report claiming that President Peter Mutharika had travelled outside the country.

He said the station had also previously aired unverified reports about alleged cases of missing manhood in the Shire Valley, which he said caused unnecessary public alarm.

Meanwhile,the government also criticised Luntha TV over a programme featuring Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa, saying the broadcast reflected poor editorial judgment and failed to meet the standards of responsible programming.

Additionally, Government has urged all media houses to verify facts before publication and maintain professional standards to safeguard public trust.