MBC for permanent change
The Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), widely accused of bias towards governing political parties, has said it wants to remain impartial and professional in discharging its duties after the May 20 polls.
Speaking on Tuesday in Blantyre at a two-day orientation workshop for its staff from programmes, news, business and engineering departments, MBC board chair Evance Namanja said there is high expectation from both government and the general public with regard to how they will operate as a public broadcaster.
He said MBC should reflect on its performance during pre-elections period, the elections, and how they intend to progress in view of the new administration challenging them to perform professionally.
“With this in mind, the orientation has been organised to provide an interactive forum for participants to gain insight into how we, as MBC, will align ourselves to the new government’s expectations,” said Namanja.
He also said there was need to strike a balance between government’s expectations and professionalism in line with MBC’s editorial policy adopted last year.
In his remarks, MBC director general Benson Tembo said MBC has a code of conduct which staff must adhere to.
“Today is a day for us to look forward and look at what we have to do as professionals. We are also looking forward to permanent change as we remain impartial,” said Tembo.
I heard this in April, 2012. It’s on record in the Lamp magazine, July-August issue (2012) Pp.16-17. An interview with Benson Tembo by Joseph Kayira. What is contained in the interview was only practical in the very few months of the Joyce Banda era, what happened next? Everyone knows. I don’t buy what Namanja has promised in this article. Nada!
You’re right, Mr. Gunde. Only an idiot would fall for that!!