Media – Face of Malawi

Blantyre Police Arrest Times Group Journalist ‘Isaac Salima’ While on Duty

Evance Kapito — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:35:38 +0000

Blantyre Police was yesterday on 3^rd December 2024 arrested Times Group journalist Isaac Salima while he was on duty capturing images at the Department of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS) headquarters in Ginnery Corner, in the city.

It is reported that, Salima was at the scene covering a commotion when police arrived to restore order. During the intervention, officers reportedly apprehended Salima and took him to their offices near Wenela Bus Depot.

While in custody, police allegedly forced Salima to delete photos and videos he had taken, without providing a valid reason. He was released after approximately 30 minutes upon complying with their demands.

Meanwhile, the umbrella body that defend and promote freedom of expression as well access to information among journalist, MISA Malawi has not yet commented on the matter.

CNN President Jeff Zucker resigns after failing to disclose affair with colleague as part of investigation into former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo

Mc Noel Kasinja — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 07:40:35 +0000

CNN president Jeff Zucker has resigned after investigations into host Chris Cuomo uncovered that he failed to disclose a secret relationship with a colleague he’s worked with for more than 20 years.

Jeff Zucker announced his resignation as the president of CNN on Wednesday, Feb 2, after he failed to disclose his relationship with Allison Gollust, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for CNN Worldwide.

In a companywide email, Zucker said he would be stepping down after nine years and he explained why.

He wrote in the email tweeted by CNN media correspondent Brian Stelter: “As part of the investigation into Chris Cuomo’s tenure at CNN, I was asked about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, someone I have worked with for more than 20 years.

“I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn’t. I was wrong.”

Allison Gollust, who said she will remain at the network, confirmed the affair in a statement Wednesday released to the New York Times.

She wrote: “Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years. Recently, our relationship changed during Covid. I regret that we didn’t disclose it at the right time. I’m incredibly proud of my time at CNN and look forward to continuing the great work we do everyday.”

Zucker and his wife Caryn divorced three years ago after 21 years of marriage, Page Six reported at the time.

Zucker is also co-founder of Hulu. He has a net worth of $60million and earned $6million per year at CNN, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Israel commits to help Malawi media in fighting against human trafficking

Edgar Naitha — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 07:01:45 +0000

The Israel government has expressed commitment to supporting efforts by Malawi media in fighting against human trafficking.

The Honorary consul of the Republic of Malawi in the state of Israel, Nir Gess was speaking in Lilongwe at the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Media Association Against Trafficking in Persons (MAATIP) and Timveni Child and Youth Organization.

Gess said his government is ready to support in many areas including the formation of a centre for information that will assist to disseminate information regarding trafficking in persons widely.

Herbert Chidaya, Executive Director for Timveni Child and Youth Organization, said Timveni is happy to partner with MAATIP because they too are keen in fight against the vice.

On her part, Board Chairperson for MAATIP, Memory Chisenga has urged journalists to discharge their noble duties of reporting about trafficking in persons professionally.

UN Trains Media on Human Rights

Edgar Naitha — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 14:42:19 +0000

United Nations Human Rights Council has trained journalists, officials from human rights organisation and the Media Institute of Southern Africa MISA Malawi chapter to assess how government is implementing human rights recommendations.

Since 2008, after every four years, the United Nations Human Rights Council assess states on their human rights promotion performance, known as the Universal Performance Review.

For example, in the 2012 to 2016 review, Malawi implemented 61 percent of the recommendations.

These included passing of the Access to information bill and enactment of the marriage, divorce and family relations act.

However, council’s Universal Periodic Review Information Programme manager, Nicolletta Zappile said “a lot still needs to be done by the media to ensure that the country improves beyond the 60 percent mark.”

“It is high time journalists have to track government’s interventions on human rights with keen interest”, Zappile said.

On the other hand, acting executive Director for Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation, Michael Kaiyatsa, believes that the only setback for Malawi in UN recommendations is failure to implement some of the guidelines.

“For example, despite operationalization of the marriage act, the country is still registering a rise in cases of child marriages,” Kaiyatsa said.

Meanwhile, Malawi has applied to be a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council and her fate will be known on 3 November.

This is also a day in which the country will be reviewed on her human rights promotion performance for the past 4 years since 2016.

-Zodiak-

State House Challenges Journalists to be Responsible, Clarifies on Creation of 1 Million Jobs

Flora Mitumba — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 08:04:02 +0000

The Statehouse has noted with concern International media reports claiming that government has failed to honour its promise to create one million jobs.

A statement signed by the Presidential Press Secretary Brian Banda categorically denies the allegation describing it as false and a clear misrepresentation of remarks made by His Excellency the President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.

The Presidential Press Secretary says the President in his response during the recent press briefing clearly stated that his administration’s efforts to create One million jobs are not confined to the public sector but also involves implementing deliberate policies and incentives to stimulate job creation.

” What the President said, which is a matter of public record and of plain meaning to all fair-minded persons, is that his administration’s efforts to create jobs are not confined to the public sector” says the statement in part.

The Statehouse therefore says the President’s remarks did not mean backtracking on the promise and advised the media to contact its department of communications for clarification on matters of fact related to things said or done by the President to avoid being conduits of fake news.

MEC commends media for promoting peaceful election

Edgar Naitha — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 09:05:37 +0000

The Malawi Electoral Commission is today engaging media managers to review how media houses performed in this year’s fresh presidential election and 2019 tripartite elections.

Speaking when opening the conference, MEC Chairperson Justice Chifundo Kachale said they decided to engage the media managers as they play a critical role in disseminating messages about all electoral processes.

Kachale says the media performed impressively in both elections but insists there is still room for improvement in coming activities.

Kachale has disclosed that some media houses were not fair in programing and coverage of both elections, mostly against opposition parties.

One of the media managers, Roselyn Makhambera said the meeting has come at the right time as it will provide an opportunity for the managers to appreciate areas that require improvement ahead of the next General election.

Plan Malawi Challenges Journalists to Report More on Children, Women as it Introduces Media Awards

Flora Mitumba — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 04:34:21 +0000

Plan International Malawi and the Media Institute for Southern Africa – MISA Malawi Chapter have signed a 3 year pack where the former will sponsor Media Awards for high impact stories on girl child and women’s rights.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lilongwe, Country Director for Plan International Phoebe Kasoga said the initiative challenges journalists to report more on issues of child and women rights.

“Media is a tool for mass advocacy. We hope with the awards, the media will give much more attention to such issues, thereby attracting appropriate action from different stakeholders,” said Kasoga.

“We recognise the great work journalists do in covering issues to do with children, girls and women. The awards will ignite more passion towards these issues among journalists,” added Teresa Ndanga, MISA Malawi chairperson.

The awards will cover online, print and electronic categories. A winner in each category will pocket half a million kwacha.

-MBC-

Govt to ensure media practictioners work without political influence

Edgar Naitha — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 07:39:44 +0000

Government insists it will ensure that media practictioners are working in a conducive environment without routine political influence.

The stance has been made by information minister Gospel Kazako after he held a meeting with managers and owners of media institutions at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre.

The aim of the interface meeting was to discuss issues affecting the media fraternity and map a way forward in addressing them.

Some of the raised concerns included unpaid debts by government to media houses, and taxation that the media owe government.

According to Kazako, government is placing deliberate policies and pieces of legislation to ensure challenges raised by media owners are addressed.

“Government is also aware of complaints from some media houses that they are facing challenges in coverage since the change in radio frequences. This is not entirely right because media institutions were not given enough time to inform their listeners of the changes” he said.

Kazako has since described the abrupt changes of frequencies as politically motivated since the country was about to hold elections.

He says government believes that the previous leadership wanted to distort flow of information at that time.

Kazako has since hinted that his ministry will engage technocrats to solve the problems at hand.

Kazako faults ICT, Digital Broadcasting Policies

Flora Mitumba — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 08:34:20 +0000

Minister of Information, Gospel Kazako, on Monday described the country’s National ICT Policy and the Malawi Digital Broadcasting Policy as “myopic” and “counterproductive” saying they limit the growth of local businesses in the sector.

The minister observed this at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi at the commencement of a four-day review process for the National ICT Policy and the Malawi Digital Broadcasting Policy.

Kazako said the local TV industry, for instance, operates on Free to Air arrangement unlike their counterparts with foreign origins who operate on commercial basis and yet the local industry is supposed to pay levies, license fees and other tax classifications to government.

“A million-dollar question is: ‘how can someone who is not getting anything for the services rendered be expected to pay fees and levies’?” wondered Kazako, and continued: “Such myopic reasoning is the catalyst for the downward spiral of our broadcasting sector and the subsequent impoverishment of those who depend on it to survive.”

He said the trickle-down effect of such “unfavorable” policies is that local companies do not generate revenues to expand or sustain their operations.

Kazako further observed that the trend has made millions of Malawians wallow in poverty due to lack of employment for a long time while, on the other hand, the foreign companies that enjoy commercial airing generate revenue from Malawian subscribers and repatriate the profits back home to grow their economies.

The minister also said it is high time that the country graduated to 5G services to quickly catch up with the rest of the global village and enjoy

Kazako challenges community radio stations to be creative in generation of funds for survival

Edgar Naitha — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 12:44:35 +0000

Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Gospel Kazako, has challenged community radio stations to be creative in generation of funds for their survival.

He made the remarks when he visited Tuntufye and Dinosaur radio stations in Karonga District on Wednesday.

He said as much as community radio stations do not have a huge funding base, better programming and cultivation of good partnership with stakeholders can earn the more.

“We will help community radio stations build capacity on how to sustain themselves financially. We are also going to encourage them to pay levy to Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) for them to be eligible to apply for grants from the authority’s grants fund,” he said.

While applauding community radio stations for their civic educating role on rural masses, Kazako asked broadcasters to be responsible communicators because what they say on air has potential to build or destroy a community and the country at large.

Macra Director General, Henry Shamu, concurred with Kazako stating that most community radio stations are struggling because of their failure to pay the levy and hence not qualifying for the grant.

“The levy compliance rate by all communication institutions could roughly be put at 70 percent, but most community radio stations are not among those who pay the levy and therefore do not qualify to apply for the grant.

“Currently the fund has about K3.2 billion and if more levy is paid, the figure would rise, translating to wider opportunities for the players including the community radio stations,” he said.

Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga said the minister’s visit was an opportunity for government to appreciate services of community radios in the district to the advantage of listeners.

MBC DG Aubrey Sumbuleta Admits to Mistakes, Pledges ‘Never Again’

Flora Mitumba — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 12:52:14 +0000

Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Director General Aubrey Sumbuleta has admitted that the public broadcaster did not give its best to Malawians in the past years.

Sumbuleta made the admission yesterday at MBC Television in the commercial city of Blantyre during familiarization tour by the newly appointed Minister of Information Gospel Kazako.

When addressing members of staff of the corporation, Kazako said the state funded broadcaster has lost its glory for being involved in active politics as it was serving the interest of the previous administration Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and not Malawians.

According to Kazako, MBC was being used as a political tool for propaganda by the former ruling party, describing the corporation as a bad boy who needs to mend his ways and get back on track.

He further expressed concern of how others got themselves working at the corporation considering that they lack skills and qualifications.

In his remarks, Sumbuleta admitted that the corporation has not done a good job in some respects and pledged never to repeat the past mistakes.

However, Kazako has promised that other employees at MBC will be casualties in the course of cleaning the public broadcaster.

Minister Gospel Kazako For Clean, Independent MBC

Flora Mitumba — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 11:15:51 +0000

Newly appointed Minister of Information Gospel Kazako has promised to make the state broadcaster Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) clean and independent when executing its duties.

Kazako said this yesterday when he visited the media house on a familiarization tour.

In his remarks, Kazako pledged to reconstruct the public broadcaster as one way of restoring long gone trust from the general public due to its active involvement in politics.

Kazako added that it is important that MBC should be serving all people in the country regardless of their political affiliation or tribe as it was with previous Democratic Progressive party (DPP) administration.

The Managing Director of Zodiak said it was pathetic to note that MBC has been operating as a political tool and favoring a few individuals that were aligned to the previous ruling party.

“Malawi Broadcasting Corporation MBC was establish to serve the nation in Informing, Educating and entertaining the nation. Unfortunately, the public broadcaster turned away from its core responsibility and became a political tool where a ruling party would dictate the affairs of the corporation,” said Kazako.

He therefore appealed to MBC staff to restore the corporation’s lost glory by being professional in their operations.

After noting that some of the staff at MBC were politically connected to the former ruling party and that they were being favored and given opportunities despite lacking qualifications and skills, Kazako did not hesitate to tell them that they will be cleaned.

He then described MBC as a bad boy that need to change its ways.

The minister then stressed that government will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that people are employed on merit and not on political grounds.

While giving a word of hope to the staff, Kazako emphasized that during the reconstruction and sanitization of MBC, some employees will fall casualties.

Kazako further put it straight that the Tonse alliance will ensure transparency and accountability by operationalizing the Access to Information law.

On his part, MBC Director General Aubrey Sumbuleta admitted that the corporation has not done a good job in some respects and pledged never to repeat the past mistakes.

The minister is expected to inspect a number of companies and institutions that report to his ministry as part of his familiarization tour.

MISA asks police to act on journalist’s assault cases

Edgar Naitha — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 14:51:35 +0000

The Media Institute of Southern Africa, (MISA) Malawi chapter, has expressed concern over the unconcluded cases of attacks on journalists who have been harassed while inline of duty.

MISA condemned the development through its statement released on 10^th January, following the assault of Tuntufye Radio journalist, Patricia Kayuni, who was harassed by demonstrators in Chitipa, on Thursday.

Kayuni was assaulted for allegedly taking pictures of the protesters which according to MISA “it is not a crime” and called on police to swiftly act on the matter.

According to the statement, also signed by MISA Chairperson, Tereza Ndanga, the chapter described the assault as a threat to press freedom in the country and highlighted that it depends on security agents to deal with those who perpetrate violence against journalists.

Reads part of the statement: “MISA Malawi upholds the right to demonstrate. We, however, recognise the need to exercise the right to demonstrate in cognizance of other constitutional rights including media freedom and freedom of expression.”

In September, 2019 two journalists, Golden Matonga of Nation Publications Limited and Gladys Nthenda of Kulinji Media were also attacked by some demonstrators during a protest organized by Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) in Lilongwe.

The statement therefore asked the law enforcers and demonstrators to understand the role of journalists in covering different issues including protests and allow them to exercise their freedom of expression.

Meanwhile MISA has promised to continue engaging law enforcers to strategize on how best members of the media can be protected during demonstrations.

MISA commends govt for removing tax on broadcasting equipment

Edgar Naitha — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 07:56:13 +0000

MISA Malawi has commended government for removing tax on radio and television broadcasting equipment, with a plea for government to consider scrapping off duty on newsprint and setting of the date for the implementation of the Access To Information ATI Act.

In a statement released Saturday 14 June 2020, MISA Malawi Chairperson Teresa Ndanga describes Newspapers as essential to democracy, access to information by the public and holding leaders accountable among others.

Ndanga notes however that Newspapers are not enjoying the purported “Freedom of Expression” as they continue to struggle in reaching the masses considering the country’s economic hardships.

MISA Malawi hopes government will heed to their call saying only then will the media celebrate and believe that government is sincere and committed to the promotion of the freedom of expression in Malawi.

MISA Malawi Chairperson Teresa Ndanga says scrapping off tax on equipment on its own is not enough in the absence of the Access to Information law, which government continues to dodge despite several calls.

In his response Minister of Information Mark Botoman told us that government is doing all it can to ensure that freedom of expression is realized by all media houses.

According to Botoman, all processes to ensure the Access To Information ATI is implemented have materialized and stakeholders are meanwhile stakeholders will meet to finalize discussions as soon as the COVID 19 diminishes.

In his presentation of the 2020/21 National Budget in Parliament on Friday June 12, 2020, Minister of Finance said government had introduced a ‘Customs Procedure Code’ to allow duty free importation of television and radio communication equipment.

The Minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamvekha says this is to improve access to information and promote establishment of more television and radio stations in the country.

The removal of duty on television and radio equipment follows successful lobbying by MISA Malawi and the Malawi Media for Government to scrape off duty on broadcasting equipment.

MACRA asks media houses to provide correct and relevant information on Covid-19

Edgar Naitha — Mon, 11 May 2020 09:34:55 +0000

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) says correct and relevant information on Covid-19 by the media can save lives, while irresponsible reporting cost lives.

MACRA Director General Godfrey Itai spoke Monday morning in Lilongwe on the sidelines of a training of media managers on responsible coverage of the pandemic.

Itai has noted that some political leaders,using broadcasters, have been misleading Malawians that the Covid-19 pandemic is not real.

Currently, Malawi has registered 53 cases of corona virus with 14 recoveries and 3 deaths.

MISA Malawi Asks the Media to be a Voice for the Voiceles

Flora Mitumba — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 11:19:24 +0000

As the world, commemorated world Radio Day on Thursday, Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter, called on radio stations and broadcasters in Malawi to actively promote social accountability and provide a platform to the voiceless.

In a statement, the Chairperson for MISA Malawi, Teresa Ndanga, said radio remains the most accessible form of mass communication in Malawi hence the need to utilize the airwaves in promoting transparency and accountability in the country.

“As the major source of information, it is also imperative for radio stations to provide a platform for voice and opinions of voiceless Malawians and perform their role of linking the underprivileged and the decision makers. Radio stations should be a hub for democratic discourse,” said Ndanga.

She further urged broadcasters to keep producing and broadcasting radio programs that enhance human growth and development, inclusiveness and reflect a variety of audiences.

Ndanga also said that radio stations and broadcasters are supposed to acknowledge all social groups by giving them a chance to be heard regardless of their social inclinations.

“Radio stations should empower women, people with disabilities and the youth by providing them with opportunities to express themselves and show their capabilities in radio broadcast,” said Ndanga.

February 13 was proclaimed as a day to celebrate radio broadcast by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) with the aim of improving international cooperation among radio broadcasters and encourage decision-makers to create and provide access to information through radio.

This year’s World Radio Day commemoration, was celebrated under the theme of. “Radio and Diversity”.

MISA-Malawi Not Amused With Chakwera’s Decision to Bar Journalist From Asking Questions

Flora Mitumba — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 10:49:53 +0000

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter chairperson Teresa Temweka Ndanga has expressed disappointments following Malawi Congress Party (MCP) decision to bar journalist from asking questions during the media briefing in Lilongwe.

In the morning hours of today MCP President Lazarus Chakwera organized a press briefing where he addressed the populace on the national issues aftermath of May 21, 2019 tripartite elections.

At the beginning of the presser, the director of ceremonies apologized to journalist who attended the presser that at the end of the event no questions will be entertained.

In their argument, MCP alleged that some of the questions that might be asked might be related to what is in currently in court.

This however did not go well with Ndanga who said the briefing was supposed to be two way, where journalists engage the speaker.

“If the party didn’t want to take questions, they should have called this a simple address and there was no point asking journalists to attend,” she said.

Times Group Responds on Public Call to Return Brian Banda

Flora Mitumba — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 07:34:51 +0000

Times Group management has taken responded to the public on the public’s call to return Brian Banda following his resignation from the company.

In a press statement seen by Face of Malawi reporter, Times Group has said Banda resigned voluntarily due to personal reasons.

“In response to the public interest, Management would like to advice that Times Radio and Times Television Host Brian Banda voluntarily resigned from the Group on personal reasons,” reads part of the statement.

The statement added that the group is aware that their listeners and viewers are missing the services delivered by Banda promising that arrangements are underway to identify and replace him.

“Arrangements are underway to identify and replace Brian Banda with new talent,” assured the statement.

Late last year social media was awash with reports that Brian Banda, the man behind Hot Current program has been forced to resign for professional misconduct.