‘Media saved Malawi from catastrophe’

Minister Information and Civic Education has commended the media in Malawi for its zeal in reporting events surrounding former President Bingu wa Mutharika’s health, saying it saved the country from total war.

Moses Kunkuyu said this on Thursday  in Mzuzu during a familiarisation tour of institutions under his Ministry.

He said if it were not for the media, people would have been in the dark on the former president’s condition and his whereabouts.

“I want the same professionalism to apply in covering the African Union Summit. The media saved the country from disaster. If it were not for the media, we don’t know where some of us would have been,” said Kunkuyu.
He said media houses have also to report much on economic and social problems facing the country so that the world should have a picture of the country’s status.
“Malawi is going through hard times and I want the media to be in the forefront to communicate problems. By doing so, you will make donors know our problems and they will come to help,” advised Kunkuyu.

He said the Ministry of Information will ensure that the media operates in an environment that is not influenced by government. He said government will ensure the realisation of the Access to Information Bill and give media licenses to deserving applicants.
Kunkuyu also urged Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) employees to stand their ground against political pressure and ensure it has programmes that are in the interest of all Malawians.

He then called on MBC employees to consider opposing views, saying all citizens contribute to the employees’ salaries through taxes.
“You are not barred from writing issues pertaining to political parties. We want to see change. Other people are reluctant to watch or listen to the station because of political affiliation,” said Kunkuyu.