Media Watchdog and Corporate World Join Forces at Fundraiser
Beyond bricks and mortar, MISA Malawi empowers journalists through legal advocacy and defenses as well as reporting skills training and awards programs.
LILONGWE, Malawi - The Media Institute of Southern Africa’s (MISA) Malawi chapter is gearing up to host its annual gala dinner and dance fundraising event on Saturday, 2 December, 2023, bringing together journalists and business executives to discuss forging stronger partnerships, writes Tionge Hara.
This year’s theme is “Media as a Strategic Partner for Private Sector Growth and Viability.” MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga explains the goal is creating an engaging forum for constructive dialogue on shared interests between the media and companies.
“We wanted this in an environment which is relaxed and festive but that will enable deep and critical dialogue,” Matonga said in an interview.
“But at the same time, we want both sides to take stock on the year and reimagine their relationship while also crucially supporting efforts to build our training centre.”
He said the theme aligns with MISA Malawi’s focus on building a sustainable and “relevant” Malawian media able to partner in national development alongside government and the corporate sector while fulfilling its democratic oversight duties.
The annual gala serves as the watchdog organization’s major fundraiser, with proceeds going toward completing construction of a new training complex at its headquarters housing state-of-the-art media facilities.
Beyond bricks and mortar, MISA Malawi empowers journalists through legal advocacy and defenses as well as reporting skills training and awards programs.
“Comparatively speaking, Malawi’s media landscape is much freer than other countries or any other times in history of the country due to improvements in legislation and natural process of maturing democracy,” Matonga said, while noting laws still restrict press freedom.
He said ongoing efforts are needed to make democratic gains permanent.
“Come and support a very important instrument of our democracy — media,” Matonga urged.
“But its also the end of a long year, come and have fun.”