Media Council of Malawi Issues Guidelines for Ethical Reporting of Cyclone Freddy Devastation

MCM is reminding the media of their responsibility in reporting the devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy in most districts of Malawi, particularly in the southern region, writes Winston Mwale.

Malawi-The Media Council of Malawi (MCM) is reminding the media of their responsibility in reporting the devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy in most districts of Malawi, particularly in the southern region.

MCM is urging the media to be cautious when visiting disaster scenes and to consider ethical issues and existing guidelines/laws on covering children, women, and be sensitive to special concerns.

Wisdom Nelson Chimgwede, Board Chairperson of MCM, emphasized the importance of accurate reporting, stating, "Always be accurate and use appropriate details to describe the victims, situations, and environment. Provide context to your story through research and parallel interviews of experts outside the disaster scene."

Moses Kaufa, Executive Director of MCM, urged media organizations to ensure constant communication between reporters and gatekeepers, stating, "Media organizations should orient their reporters before they are sent to cover such emergencies."

MCM has emphasized that the trauma can become worse because of the way the media treat a story.

MCM says will continue to monitor the media to ensure professional and accountable reporting.