The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has closed down Angaliba television and radio for failure to pay outstanding licence fees.

The development comes barely a week after MACRA revoked licence of Rainbow Television over non-payment of licence fees.

MACRA Director General Daud Suleman has confirmed of the development in a statement made available to faceofmalawi.

According to Suleman, the authority directed Angaliba to cease broadcasting within 24 hours from June 14, 2022.

“In 2021, MACRA renewed Angaliba’s Television and Radio licences. The renewal was subject to Angaliba paying outstanding licence fees, Angaliba made some payments towards the outstanding fees but disputed the amount owing to MACRA,” reads in part the statement.

The statement further says while reconciliations were underway to ascertain the exact amount due to MACRA, Angaliba resumed its transmission contrary to MACRA’s directive.

MACRA summoned Angaliba on the issue on June 6 2022 for hearing, and a decision was made thereafter for Angaliba to cease broadcasting.