NEW VOA-AFFILIATED INDEPENDENT RADIO STATION GOES

UNCLAS LILONGWE 000686

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO OIIP KDEM MI
SUBJECT: NEW VOA-AFFILIATED INDEPENDENT RADIO STATION GOES
ON AIR

REF: LILONGWE 207


1. Voice of America (VOA) has extended its partnership with
an independent affiliate, Capital Radio, to bring
non-government controlled radio broadcast to northern Malawi.
On July 19, Ambassador and PAS staff attended the Mzuzu
launch ceremony of the new station, which significantly
enhances the availability of unbiased news coverage for the
region (reftel). Also in attendance were the station's
executive officers, a VOA representative, the mayor of the
city of Mzuzu, and various regional business leaders.


2. Previously, the only radio broadcast in the area was
Malawi Broadcasting Company (MBC) which has often been
accused of biased news coverage, particularly during the
recent presidential elections. Capital Radio, which is
independently owned and operated and has had been in
partnership with VOA since 1998, has a solid reputation for
presenting unbiased news and generally reliable reporting.
The partnership with VOA ensures access to an alternative
radio news source in a country where rural illiteracy and
poverty limit the effectiveness of other media.
RASPOLIC