The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-led administration says it is committed to restoring a free media environment, including reopening several radio and television stations that were shut down during the previous regime.

Minister of Information Shadric Namalomba confirmed the development on Monday, saying government intends to engage proprietors of the affected media houses.

“Yes, we will have those engagements, but I will speak in detail at an appropriate time,” said Namalomba, signalling that government is ready to address concerns that have long affected the media industry.

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Malawi) has welcomed the announcement but says the move must be accompanied by a serious interrogation of the root causes behind the closures.

MISA Malawi chairperson Golden Matonga said some of the shutdowns were linked to issues that go beyond unpaid fees.

“This decision is commendable, but the government must thoroughly review the issues that led to the closures,” Matonga said.

“The media continues to struggle with exorbitant licence fees pegged in US dollars, economic challenges, and in some cases, political interference. Some stations such as, Rainbow TV were closed simply because of their hard-talk programming," he cited.

About three years ago, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) shut down several radio and television stations over unpaid broadcasting licence fees, actions that many stakeholders said were heavy-handed.

Matonga stressed that for the country’s media sector to thrive, government must address structural barriers that have left many outlets financially vulnerable.

“We put all that in our statement to the new administration. If we want a truly free and vibrant fourth estate, we must fix the economic and regulatory environment in which the media operates,” he added.

Almost two months after taking over power, the DPP administration says it wants to reset the media landscape to default freedoms, a move media advocates hope will include law reforms and that protect journalists and promote independent journalism.