The Media Council of Malawi conducted monitoring visits to community media outlets in the Eastern Region to recognize their efforts and promote professionalism by encouraging adherence to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
The Council visited Dzimwe Community Radio in Monkey Bay and Radio Lilanguka in Mangochi.
During the visit to Dzimwe Community Radio in Monkey Bay, staff members expressed a keen interest in understanding the Media Council’s mandate and sought guidance on upholding ethical and professional standards, especially during the election period.
In response, MCM Executive Director Moses Kaufa encouraged the team to remain objective and verify all information using credible sources, noting that elections often see a rise in misinformation and disinformation. He also stressed the importance of prioritizing their safety and avoiding situations that could put them at risk.
At Radio Lilanguka, staff members expressed interest in learning more about the mandate of the Media Council of Malawi (MCM), its accreditation process, and sought guidance on ethical conduct during elections.
The MCM Executive Director further encouraged the team to foster a culture of continuous learning and reading and to familiarize themselves with key legal and professional frameworks, including the Political Parties Act, the Media Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and the Data Protection Act which are essential tools for promoting professionalism in media practice.
Radio Lilanguka Station Manager, Edward Hau, welcomed the engagement, emphasizing the importance of equipping staff with the necessary knowledge. He committed to making the relevant legal and ethical documents accessible to staff and using the station’s monthly meetings as a platform to reinforce the implementation of the issues discussed.
“We will be making sure that we have a segment of reminding our staff members these things. We’ll also take a step to remind our staff to get accredited by MCM as a commitment to professionalism and accoutnability,” he said.
This exercise is part of a UNESCO-funded project under the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), aimed at strengthening the capacity of community media houses to ensure long-term sustainability.
