CHANCO radio against decision to give Mutharika media blackout

Chancellor College (CHANCO) community radio and Television station has distanced its self from a stand taken by private media houses in the country to give President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and his cabinet Ministers a media blackout over attacks.

Since Mutharika returned to United Nation General Assembly (UNGA), the President has been all over town attacking Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) and Daily Times for spreading rumours of ill-health.

Due to the continued attacks, Private media house owners and managers met at Mount Soche Hotel in the commercial capital where they resolved to hand Mutharika and his Cabinet Ministers a news blackout.

In a statement seen by FaceofMalawi reporter jointly signed by Nation Publications Limited, Times Group Limited, ZBS , MIJ Fm radio, CHANCO radio/TV Station, Capital Radio Malawi Limited, Beta TV, said Mutharika’s tendency is worrisome to media freedom in the country.

But in what can be described as a twist of events, CHANCO radio and TV station has pulled out of the Mount Soche declaration.

In a statement issued on Tuesday signed by CHANCO principal Richard Tambulasi seen by faceofMalawi said owners of the two institutions did not endorse the declaration.

“CHANCO radio and television belong to Chancellor College of the University of Malawi which is a public institution and do not fit in the private media category.

“The Managers of Chancellor College radio and Chancellor College Television did not authorize the signing of the communiqué and are not part and parcel of the communiqué,” reads in part the statement.

Added Tambulasi: “The mission of Chanco radio and Chanco television are derived from the University of Malawi objectives which are to advance knowledge and to promote wisdom and understanding by engaging in teaching and research and making provision for the dissemination, promotion and preservation of learning.”

Tambulasi has since assured Malawians that Chanco radio and television will continue to be professional, accountable and ethical in fulfilling their mandate.