About Us

The Media Council of Malawi is registered under the Trustees Incorporation Act of the Laws of Malawi and is an independent, non-profit, non-political and self-regulating organization with the mandate to promote professionalism in the media industry by setting standards in the interest of the public in Malawi. From the outset, the Council has sought to create and sustain a truly vibrant media which is not only professional but also accountable. In this respect, the Council upholds core values among them accountability, integrity and excellence. To date, the greatest emphasis and points of active engagement have been around the accountability of the media in Malawi. In a context where numerous media organizations are emerging, there is need to advocate for policy and legal changes that support the growth of the media and forging a relationship with the Government that assures the quality of information available to the people of Malawi. As is the case with other regulatory agencies the Council operates through various Committees whose functions and power are clearly delineated in its Constitution. These Committees provide guidance to a Secretariat that undertakes day-to-day administrative operations under the leadership of a competitively appointed Executive Director. The Council is an essentially membership-driven organization whose membership consists of all media houses and institutions, institutions training journalists, professional associations of journalists and press clubs in the country. To date, its membership numbers 83 and it comprises electronic, print, video and publishing houses. Being a membership organization, the Council has to engage in leadership, coordination and capacity development support ensuring that the media remains relevant, vibrant and contributes to the emergence of a stronger democratic society.