LILONGWE--Journalists Union of Malawi (JUMA) Thursday hailed the Banda administration for issuing new licenses to radio and television saying the move will bring about competition among radio and television stations besides opportunities to job seekers.

On Wednesday, government through the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) announced the awarding of licenses to 15 broadcasters.

“As JUMA, we want to thank the current administration for issuing new licenses to radio and television applicants. This is a good move towards the right direction in that it will bring about competition. This competition is also good news for job seekers and consumers of news,” reads in part the statement released by JUMA.

The statement notes that various graduates who were just loafing in cities and towns will now find employment
at the new radios and television stations.

Furthermore, JUMA is of the view that the coming in of the new broadcasting houses will assist in improving conditions of service and salaries for already existing media houses since there will competition among the institutions.

“We understand that some media institutions were resistant to improving conditions of service and salaries for their employees since media landscape was too small, this is another chapter for such owners to raise the perks,” the statement adds.

Times Television, a subsidiary of the Times Group publishers, Zodiak, Chancellor College Community, Adventist, Timveni, Good News and Beta TV are some of those that have been awarded TV licenses while CCAP Blantyre Synod, CCAP Nkhoma Synod, CCAP Livingstonia Synod, Chancellor College Community, Matindi and Bua FM have been awarded radio licenses.
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©2012 The Maravi Post. Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment.