Capital Radio Malawi is a radio station in Malawi that was launched on 29 March 1999 by journalist Alaudin Osman. The station broadcasts across all three regions of Malawi, and covers the urban centers of Blantyre, Zomba, Lilongwe, Mangochi and Mzuzu. Programming follows an Adult Contemporary format, including various musical genres, news, information and entertainment.[1] The bulk of content is music and entertainment.[2] In January 2001, United Alliance Media of South Africa took an equity position in the radio station.[3]
In May 2004, the director of Capital Radio told the Agence France-Presse news agency that four of its reporters had been arrested for broadcasting an "inflammatory interview" with opposition spokesperson Kholiwe Mkandawire.[4] On 20 September 2005, Capital Radio Malawi challenged the Protected Emblems and Names Act of 1967, which limits media freedom in Malawi. On 14 September 2005, police had arrested opposition leader Gwanda Chakuamba for violating this law at a political rally where he allegedly insulted President Bingu wa Mutharika. Capital Radio had broadcasted his speech live. Al Osman asked his lawyers to lodge an appeal with the High Court asking it to declare the legislation unconstitutional.[5] On 22 February 2009, Capital Radio broadcast an interview with Bakili Muluzi, who accused the government of using intimidation against his presidential candidacy and warned that such conduct could lead to "problems".[6]
Capital Radio's Straight Talk is a popular program where movers and shakers in society can air their views. In April 2010, their program included an interview with Deputy Minister in the Office of President and Cabinet, Nicholas Dausi. Dausi talked at length, but despite close questioning was evasive about his role in the government.[7] Speaking in January 2011 on Straight Talk, George Chaponda, Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, said the Air Fouling legislation in the proposed Local Courts bill banned farting in public places. After the story made headlines in the world press, he was forced to retract this statement.[8] In February 2011, Alaudin Osman, who is also the Executive member of the Media Council of Malawi, signed an agreement with the government in which the media committed to refrain from reporting stories that would destroy the image and credibility of the country.[9]