The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has debunked claims made by Prophet Shepherd Bushiri that the revocation of Rainbow Television’s content license was politically motivated.

According to MACRA, Bushiri’s assertions are false, and the regulator’s records show that he is not the registered owner of the television station.

In a statement, MACRA Director General Daud Suleman explained that the license was revoked due to Rainbow Television’s failure to pay outstanding license fees totaling K14,930,000, which was later reduced to K10 million.

Despite prior commitments to pay, the broadcaster missed the May 31, 2022, deadline, leading to the revocation.

MACRA emphasized that the decision was based solely on the broadcaster’s failure to comply with its financial obligations and not influenced by politics.

The regulator had engaged with Rainbow Television multiple times, providing opportunities for compliance, but the broadcaster failed to meet its financial obligations within the required timeframe.

This development comes after Bushiri claimed in an exclusive interview with Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) that the license was revoked despite the broadcaster settling its outstanding fees.

However, MACRA’s statement contradicts Bushiri’s claims, highlighting the importance of compliance with regulatory requirements in the broadcasting sector.