Catholic Journalists Meet in Malawi, Focus on Responsible Election Reporting
“The annual meeting is crucial for us to align our strategies and ensure responsible media practices,” said ACJ President Maria Chirwa.
MULANJE, Malawi — Catholic journalists from across Malawi gathered Saturday for their annual general meeting, focusing on responsible media coverage ahead of the country's 2025 elections, writes Francis Polinyu Banda.
Operating as the Association of Catholic Journalists (ACJ), members are discussing various issues concerning the association under the theme “Responsible Media, Towards Building an Informed Society Ahead of the 2025 General Elections.”
“The annual meeting is crucial for us to align our strategies and ensure responsible media practices,” said ACJ President Maria Chirwa.
The association meets annually in different regions, with the elective assembly occurring every three years. This year’s AGM is hosted in Mulanje district, under the Archdiocese of Blantyre of the Catholic Church.
Members of the association include Catholic journalists working in various media houses, both secular and religious, as well as in government, non-governmental organizations, and the corporate world.
The ACJ falls under the Catholic Laity Council and reports to the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM). The ECM aims to facilitate a deeper understanding and fuller practice of Christian social teachings among its members.
Malawi is set to hold local government, parliamentary, and presidential elections on September 16, 2025. Various stakeholders have called on the media to report the electoral process responsibly.
“The role of the media is pivotal in ensuring a fair and transparent election process,” emphasized ECM Secretary-General Father John Phiri.