Media Council of Malawi (MCM) has asked President Peter Mutharika to demonstrate genuine commitment to democratic principles by championing legal reforms that will free Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) from executive control.
In a statement issued yesterday co-signed by MCM board chairperson Jolly Ntaba and executive director Moses Kaufa, the council expressed concern over the continued abuse and manipulation of media institutions, particularly the State national broadcaster by ruling parties.
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MCM observed that the trend undermines constitutional principles of media freedom, erodes public trust and weakens Malawi’s democratic progress, a situation that compelled the council to embark on a strategic plan to end the media capture.
The strategic plan seeks to dismantle the entrenched system through four major interventions, namely legal and regulatory reform, institutional strengthening, public awareness and constructive dialogue.
Reads the statement in part: “To His Excellency the State President and the Government of Malawi: We urge you to demonstrate a genuine commitment to democratic principles by championing the legal reforms that will set the MBC free from executive control.
“To the Parliament of Malawi: We call on you to act in the interest of the people you represent by swiftly debating and passing the necessary legislative amendments to ensure a truly independent public broadcaster and regulator.”
The council also appealed to political parties to rise above partisan interests and publicly commit to refrain from interfering with media operations. It further asked Malawians to add their voice to MCM’s campaign, demand accountability, and reclaim their right to a media that informs, educates, and empowers all.
In an interview yesterday, DPP and Mutharika’s spokesperson Shadric Namalomba said the DPP administration is ready to reform MBC.
He said in the DPP manifesto, the party indicated that it would reform and ensure that institutions such as MBC and Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (Macra) function without bureaucracy and political interference.
Said Namalomba: “Reforms at Malawi Broadcasting Corporation are inevitable and we must do that. We, as Democratic Progressive Party and the government, we wouldn’t want to see a repeat of what the MBC of president Chakwera was doing.
“Malawi is for all of us and we are advocating for inclusivity in the governance of this nation. Therefore, we wouldn’t want an MBC that is partisan.”
The council’s appeal comes amid growing public debate about the neutrality of State-controlled media and its role in shaping public opinion.
For decades, MBC has been accused of serving as a propaganda tool for ruling parties.
