Media Council of Malawi Reaffirms Commitment to Press Freedom and Self-Regulation
The declaration comes at a moment of mounting pressure on news organizations globally, as governments expand regulatory oversight and digital platforms accelerate the spread of misinformation.
LILONGWE, Malawi — The Media Council of Malawi on Wednesday renewed its pledge to defend press freedom and strengthen accountability in the country’s media sector, following its participation in a regional gathering of media regulators in Lusaka, Zambia, writes Winston Mwale.
In a statement, the council said it had joined its other African counterparts in endorsing the Lusaka Declaration, a framework aimed at reinforcing self-regulation, sustainability, and information integrity across the continent’s media landscape.
The declaration comes at a moment of mounting pressure on news organizations globally, as governments expand regulatory oversight and digital platforms accelerate the spread of misinformation.
Against that backdrop, the Malawian body sought to draw a firm line: “self-regulation—not state control—is the only way to ensure a truly free press,” the council said, signaling its intent to resist external interference while pursuing formal legal recognition.
The council outlined a series of commitments, including positioning itself as a leading non-state actor in countering disinformation and improving public access to credible information — a challenge compounded by the rapid evolution of digital media ecosystems.
It also said it would work with regional partners to draft guidelines on the ethical use of artificial intelligence in newsrooms, an acknowledgement of how quickly automation and generative tools are reshaping journalism.
The Media Council of Malawi further pledged to expand public engagement, including by making its complaints system more accessible and investing in media literacy initiatives, particularly as audiences navigate an increasingly fragmented information environment.
The statement also pointed to rising concerns over online harassment, especially targeting female and younger journalists — an issue the council said it intends to confront as part of a broader push for inclusivity within the profession.
Regionally, the council reaffirmed its alignment with continental efforts coordinated through the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa and expressed support for strengthening cooperation among Southern African press bodies.
It also highlighted a less visible but persistent challenge: financial sustainability. The council said it would encourage media organisations to adopt diversified funding models that preserve editorial independence, as traditional revenue streams continue to erode.
The statement concluded with an appeal for collective action, urging media practitioners, civil society groups and public institutions to support what it described as a “resilient and rights-based information environment.”
The declaration, the council said, represents “more than a document"—framing it instead as a shared commitment among African media institutions to navigate political, economic, and technological pressures while safeguarding the integrity of the press.
The statement was signed by Board Chairperson Dr. Jolly Maxwell Ntaba and Executive Director Moses Kaufa.