Deepen democracy, media urged

British High Commissioner Fiona Ritchie has challenged journalists to write more stories on democracy as one way of sensitizing Malawians to their rights.

She was speaking in Mangochi yesterday during the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) commemoration, held under the theme Guardians of Democracy Championing Media Independence for Free and Credible Elections.

“You need to write more stories that deepen and promote democracy to keep Malawians informed about what the democratic world demands for them to effectively participate in development activities,” she urged.

Ritchie also challenged the media to write stories on the environment to keep Malawians informed of its importance and how they can protect it to avert problems that occur due to the depletion.

Minister of information and Digitilisation Moses Kunkuyu said government is committed to safeguarding media freedom in the country by creating a safe environment that allows media practitioners to work effectively in disseminating information to the masses.

Said Kunkuyu: “The media is an important stakeholder. The role it plays shapes or contributes to the development of the country. We will ensure a friendly environment that will assist the media to work without fear but to deliver information that can help Malawians.”

The minister said as the country gears towards tripartite elections next year, it is critical that the media should assume a bigger role of informing Malawians about the elections.

“I expect you members of the media to write credible information on elections to inform Malawians about the same and how they should participate in the election in order for the election to be successful,” he urged.

In her remarks, Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa-Malawi Chapter) vice-president Chisomo Ngulube stressed the need for the media to be active and vibrant to ably help the country’s development agenda.

“We need to be relevant people to the country. We need to be people who can support the development endeavours of the country. Let’s also ensure professionalism by upholding the tenets of the profession,” she urged.

Ngulube assured Malawians that the media will remain committed and alert while writing stories that can shape the country.

The WPFD started with a solidarity march from Puma Service Station all the way to Fort Johnstone Hotel near Mangochi Police— a distance of about two kilometres.

After the march, the men and women of the pen converged at Fort Johnstone Hotel Conference Hall for a panel discussion to reflect on the importance of the media and the role they should play in the country, especially on pressing and emerging issues.

Later in the evening, the media practitioners will assemble at Sunbird Nkopola for a dinner and awards.