Malawi Minister Urges Media Restraint, Factual Reporting During Election
The conference provides a platform for MACRA to align with its licensees and reinforce professional standards in media reporting.
LILONGWE, Malawi — Minister of Information and Digitalisation called on media outlets Monday to prioritize factual and professional reporting ahead of next year's elections, writes Ireen Kayira.
Speaking at the 3rd Annual Broadcasters Conference hosted by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), Moses Kunkuyu emphasised the critical role of media during sensitive political periods.
"We are entering a sensitive political time, and the media will play a critical role," Kunkuyu said. He explicitly warned against sensationalism, stressing that media should not unduly influence public opinion.
Kunkuyu underscored the importance of allowing citizens to participate in the democratic process freely.
"Let us allow people to exercise their rights without any influence from other sources," he stated.
MACRA Director General Daud Suleman echoed the minister's sentiments, highlighting the potential dangers of irresponsible broadcasting.
"We are touching the lives of many Malawians, and what is broadcast is deemed the truth," Suleman said.
He pointed to historical examples where inflammatory media content has escalated tensions, warning broadcasters against creating content designed to provoke hate or sensationalism.
Both Kunkuyu and Suleman emphasised that while protecting press freedom remains paramount, broadcasters must operate within established regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines.
The conference provides a platform for MACRA to align with its licensees and reinforce professional standards in media reporting.