MALAWI COMMUNICATIONS LAW 1998                                                                      MALAWI SDNP
 
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                                           THIRD SCHEDULE                                               S. 52 
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BROADCASTING SERVICES 
 
I.--(I) The freedom of all broadcasting licencees is indivisible  
from and subject to the same restraints as those relevant to the indi-  
vidual person, and is founded on the individual's right to be 
informed and to freely receive and disseminate opinions.		 Freedom of 
Broadcasters
 
2. Broadcasting licencees shall-  

(a) not broadcast any material which is indecent or obscene or  
offensive to public morals (including abusive or insulting lan- 
guage) or offensive to the religious convictions of any section of 
the population or likely to prejudice the safety of the Republic or 
public order and tranquillity; 

(b) exercise due care and sensitivity in the presentation of 
material which depicts or relates to acts of brutality, violence, atrocities, drug abuse, obscenity;

 General  
obligations of broadcasters 

  

  
 
 
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Communications 

(c) exercise due care and responsibility in the presentation of  
programmes where a large proportion of the audience is likely to 
be children.
News 3.--(I) Broadcasting licencees shall report news truthfully, accurately and objectively. 

(2) News shall be presented in an appropriate context and in a  
balanced manner without intentional or negligent departure from the 
facts. 

(3) Where a report is founded on opinion, supposition, rumour or allegation, it shall be presented in such a manner as to indicate clearly that such is the case. 

(4) Where it subsequently appears that a broadcast . report was incorrect in a material respect, it shall be rectified forthwith, without reservation or delay.
Comment 4.--(I) Broadcasting licencees shall be entitled to comment on 
and criticise any actions or events of public importance. 

(2) Comment shall be presented in such manner that it appears 
clearly to be comment. 

(3) Comment shall be an honest expression of opinion.
Controversial  

issues

 5.--(I) In presenting a programme in which controversial issues 
of public importance are discussed, a broadcasting licencee shall make reasonable efforts to present differing points of view in the same programme or in a subsequent programme within a reasonable period of time and in substantially the same time slot. 

(2) A person whose views, deeds or character have or has been criticised in a broadcasting programme on a controversial issue shall be given a reasonable opportunity by the broadcasting licencee to reply to such criticism, should that person so request.
Elections 6- During any election period, all broadcasting licencees shall 
ensure equitable treatment of political parties, election candidates 
and electoral issues.
Privacy 7. In so far as news and comment are concerned, broadcasting licencees shall exercise exceptional care and consideration in matters involving the private lives and private concerns of individuals, but may however bear in mind that the right to privacy may be overridden by a legitimate public interest.
Payment for 
Information 		 8. No payment shall be made to persons involved in crime or who have been engaged in crime in order to obtain information, unless compelling public interest indicates the contrary.
B. No. 17
 
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