Malawi government has asked media houses and journalists in the country to stop fearing opposition political parties and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) when discharging their duties.
Minister of Information, Mark Botomani, who is also government spokesperson made the call on Sunday as the journalists are celebrating World Press Freedom Day under the theme ‘Journalism without fear or favour’.
The Minister Botomani noted that for the past months media houses in the country have been favoring opposition political parties. He said Journalists need to exercise their duties without fearing anyone.
“Journalists ought to remember that they are not supposed to fear or favour anyone. We have seen, in the past twelve months, journalists in Malawi, knowingly or unknowingly, fearing and favoring opposition parties and civil society,” noted Botomani
He added: “There has been clear lack of critical analysis of the work of opposition and civil society. Journalists ought to stand aloof, away from all influence and be guided by that which is good for all, not just the elite.”
In her statement, Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)- Malawi Chapter Chairperson, Tereza Ndanga said: “We take the celebrations as a reminder to stakeholders that journalists and the media in general need to be free from political and commercial interests to effectively do their job and serve in the public interest,”
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 03rd May as World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press.
