Malawians want media to expose graft—survey

A new Afrobarometer survey shows that 78 percent of Malawians want the media to report on government shortcomings and corruption.

The report said about 21 percent of the respondents stated that increased reporting on negative events, including corruption, harmed the image of the country.

The survey titled ‘Africa’s shifting media landscapes: Digital media use grows, but so do demographic divides’ was published on Tuesday and covered 39 African countries.

During the survey, participants were asked: “Which of the following statements is closest to your view? (i) The news media should constantly investigate and report on government mistakes and corruption. (ii) Too much reporting on negative events, like government mistakes and corruption, only harms the country.”

In their responses, 78 percent of Malawians “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that news media should constantly investigate and report on government mistakes.

Reads the report in part: “The media serve as watchdogs in a democratic society, expected to hold those in power accountable for their actions. Survey findings underscore broad support among Africans for this role, although there is significant variation across countries.

“On average, 72 percent of Africans agree or strongly agree that the media should constantly investigate and report on government mistakes and corruption.”

The survey further noted that for the media to play its watchdog role effectively, it must be free of governmental control.

It also found that 68 percent of Malawians want the media to have the right to publish any views and ideas without government control.

Reacting to the survey, Media Institute for Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi chairperson Golden Matonga yesterday observed that for journalists to be successful, they need public support.

Media Council of Malawi board chairperson Jolly Ntaba said it was not surprising that a majority of Malawians want the media to be constantly investigating and reporting on government mistakes as well as corruption in the country.

He noted that the media is an independent arm of government which provides oversight to whatever government is doing.

The survey comes days after European Union Ambassador Rune Skinnebach expressed worry that the corruption fight in the country appeared to have lost steam.