By Burnett Munthali
Renowned journalist and communication specialist Daniel Mababa has urged students at the Malawi Institute of Journalism (MIJ) to embrace both traditional and modern approaches to publishing stories in order to become complete journalists.
Mababa, himself an alumnus of MIJ, delivered the remarks during a public lecture at the institute’s Lilongwe campus under the theme “A Complete Journalist.”
Speaking to MIJ Online, he emphasized that a complete journalist must be versatile in multimedia storytelling, data literate, and committed to ethical reporting in order to maintain credibility.
He pointed out that the modern media landscape is evolving rapidly, and journalists must adapt to new skills while holding on to the timeless values of fairness and accuracy.
Mababa also highlighted the growing challenges facing journalists, including the rise of artificial intelligence, the spread of misinformation, and the pressure to deliver content at a fast pace.
He warned that without the right balance, young journalists risk losing credibility in a field where trust is the currency of survival.
Meanwhile, MIJ Lilongwe campus Centre Coordinator Iwell Thawi explained that Mababa was invited to inspire students, given his 13 years of experience in journalism and his proven track record as a successful MIJ graduate.
Thawi noted that hearing from an industry professional with hands-on expertise provided students with valuable insights into the realities of working in the media industry.
He stressed that such engagements bridge the gap between theory taught in classrooms and the practical demands of newsrooms.
The Malawi Institute of Journalism remains one of the country’s premier journalism training institutions, with many of its graduates working across major media houses and in broader communication roles.
Mababa’s lecture was more than a motivational talk; it was a call to action for the next generation of Malawian journalists.
His message reinforced the idea that adaptability, ethics, and innovation are the cornerstones of journalism in the digital age.
For MIJ students, the lesson was clear: to thrive in today’s complex media environment, one must embrace both tradition and modernity while holding firmly to integrity.
