Government Commends Media For Being Professional In the Year 2014…

Promises Better Environment in 2015

Nankhumwa: Media did the nation proud in 2014

Government says in 2014 media did the nation proud through courageous and professional reporting of numerous issues a spirit which must be continued so that people benefit in their day to day lives through such noble service.

In a special New Year message to the media from Minister of Information Tourism and Culture hon. Kondwani Nankhumwa said during this period the media “did the nation proud and were the envy of the world” when it reported courageously and professionally during Malawi’s first ever Tripartite General Elections in May 2014 and also when it courageously helped to expose Cashgate (the systematic syphoning of money from Capital Hill).

“Both the private and public media did a good job deserving our appreciation” said Hon. Nankhumwa in a statement signed 31^st December 2014

He said though there were some challenges for journalists and the media in general, information flow has improved as the government is more open and the presidential press conferences are now professionally managed.

But the Minister acknowledged that there are areas that government need to improve “I believe, together, we can do this country proud by making our synergy positive and value enhancing.” But he warn elements of backbiting and victimising innocent hard working fellow journalists must stop as Government that he speak for does not want to be associated with lies and cheap politicking in the public and private media houses for cheap political appeasement.

“We must rise above this and love country more than self.” He said

“Government believes that time for hurling insults, false arrests, mudslinging, and venomous assaults is gone and should be considered buried. We should all be committed to the unity and national socio economic development of Malawi.”

He also said Government for its part will make sure that the environment is levelled for all hence its commitment to bring to the National Assembly the Access to Information (ATI) Bill, the Communications Bill and the E-Transactions Bill in 2015.

He also reiterate that President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s commitment that no journalist will be arrested, impeded and stopped from professionally doing his/her work, will be followed to the letter.

He indicated that in the New Year Government will seek to address improving conditions of service and remuneration for journalists through working close with The Journalists Union of Malawi (JUMA), Media Institute of Southern Africa – Malawi Chapter (MISA‐Malawi), Media Council of Malawi (MCM), Media Owners Association of Malawi, and other key stakeholders to see to it that journalists work in competitive jobs just like other trades.

The Minister has wished all members of the media and their families, a “Successful and Prosperous New Year.”