MBC reaches out on election coverage
Taxpayer-funded Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) director general George Kasakula says the public broadcaster is committed to fair and unbiased coverage of elections and has developed election coverage guidelines.
He spoke in Lilongwe yesterday during a consultation meeting with electoral stakeholders, including political parties.
Kasakula said MBC has for a long time been accused of biased coverage in favour of political parties in power; hence, the development of the guidelines to ensure fairness in its elections news coverage.
He said the guidelines will see all political parties and other players receiving live coverage, albeit at a fee, during the campaign period.
Said Kasakula: “The idea is that we must be systematic and do the right thing. However, MBC cannot be at every political rally and we will have to weigh which ones to cover.”
Commenting on the guidelines, he said the broadcaster will also ensure employees uphold professional standards, further warning those found in breach will be disciplined.
Meanwhile, Media Institute for Southern Africa Malawi Chapter chairperson Golden Matonga, who attended the launch, said Malawians have high expectations from MBC; hence, the need for the broadcaster to ensure that it properly implements the guidelines.
