By Aliko Munde
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has emphasized the need for mutual respect and collaboration between the government and the media to help restore public trust, particularly in the face of growing misinformation and disinformation spread through social media.
Chakwera was speaking on Saturday at Mzuzu State Lodge as he hosted media practitioners from across the country to breakfast, as one way of celebrating World Press Freedom Day.
Dr. Chakwera said that government and media institutions should work together in combating misinformation and disinformation, warning that public trust in both sectors is rapidly declining.
“Let’s ensure accuracy, fairness and balance in our reporting,” Chakwera said.
He further urged the media to avoid relying on unverified narratives circulating on social media.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Digitalization, Baldwin Chiyamwaka, hailed the President’s commitment to promoting media freedom and defending the rights of the media.
“I would like to thank the State President for hosting the media for four consecutive years. This underscores free and vibrant press which we have in the country,” Chiyamwaka said.
MISA Malawi Chairperson, Golden Matonga, praised the President for supporting diverse media platforms, including podcasts, and for answering questions in the National Assembly—actions he described as significant milestones for media freedom.
Matonga then invited the President to join in the Presidential Debates that MISA will soon organize in readiness for the September 16 General Elections.
Dr. Chakwera went on to donate K6 million in support of the World Press Freedom Day celebrations.
Some of the key activities marking the climax of the World Press Freedom Day celebrations include a Freedom March, panel discussions, media engagement and capacity-building sessions, as well as the MISA Malawi Annual Media Awards Gala Dinner.
