Chilewe takes over ownership of Star FM

Malawi radio station, Star FM, is now under new ownership. This follows its acquisition by one of the country’s youthful entrepreneur Mike Chilewe Jnr.

New owner Star FM: Mike Chilewe Jnr.
New owner Star FM: Mike Chilewe Jnr.
Mike Chilewe Jnr.
Mike Chilewe Jnr.

Chilewe has taken over the ownership and running of the Lilongwe-based FM radio station from Elvis Nserebo, founder of Matindi FM.

A statement from media consultancy Pencils PR, issued Monday, indicates that Chilewe became the new Star FM chairman last week.

“As of last week I have really acquired Star FM Malawi,” he is quoted as saying in the statement.

“It’s a deal that has taken two years to conclude because the negotiations started in 2013, but now we thank God it’s a done deal and we are happy and already started works on the radio,” confirmed Chilewe.

The acquisition sees Chilewe Jnr, who is also managing director of  Innovertising Company, becoming the youngest Malawian businessperson to own a radio station at the age of 25.

Star FM was founded by Ghanaian preacher, Pastor Richard Lutwama, and went on air in 2006 and Nserebo purchased the station in 2013 when it was headquartered in Blantyre.

As he was already running Matindi FM, Nserebo was supposed to forgo one station as one company cannot hold two broadcasting licenses, according to Malawi Communications Laws.

Despite starting on a high the first few years on air, Star FM, which is famed for local and international soccer commentary, has been struggling to keep up with competition on the market.

While admitting that it would be a huge task turning things around at the station, the new owner says there is still so much potential in the station but only needs “proper direction, infrastructure andgreat programs”.

“A diamond looks useless until it is in the right hands that polish and cut it and make it valuable,” he points out. “I am someone who sees an opportunity when others are seeing impossibility. I strive to prove myself right and get to work.”

“It’s a huge task but it’s not like I will be running the radio on a day to day as such.This is something where you get the talented right people who are passionate with the business.

“The few months of turnaround I will be involved in most things up until we turn it around and leave people who have talent on radio do their thing and just motivate them, invest in them to get the best out of them,” he says further.

Chilewe’s vision is to see Star FM being one of the best radios in Malawi that listeners and advertisers want to associate with, observing that while it might look like there was lost confidence, the team at the stationis so determined beyond what is inthe public’s eye. He will ensure that Star FM has nationwide coverage and no cut off transmissions.

“We want to be on 24/7 broadcasting and we won’t sleep up until we get there and I know we will. We are working on having quality programs that Malawians will love more than they do at the moment,” he states.

Having moved to Lilongwe from Blantyre last year, Chilewe indicates that there are no immediate plans to relocate back to the commercial cit yas there are other important issues to focus on at the moment.

Asked if there will be any changes in management at administrative level or any restructuring, he said he had learnt in business over the years not to make rush decisions in changing management.

Chilewe however says: “Of course a few things will change and bring in a few new things or people where need be since we will be turning it around, but some information at the moment is internal but what I can tell you is that we will rebrand the Star FM brand and Malawi should expect the best”.

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Andy Vorster
9 years ago

Hi Mike
Well done.
Do us all proud and prosper.
Take Care
and hope to hear from you soon

Andy Vorster and fam

C Jay Jeezle
C Jay Jeezle
9 years ago

You are a motivation buddy ..proud of you ..keep on grinding hard..we r go gettaz

pijo
pijo
9 years ago

Money talks

YB
YB
9 years ago

CHUMA CHA A BAMBWAKO. DON’T BULLSHIT US LIKE WE ARE KIDS.

Some guy in ZA
9 years ago

Radio is a dead business. Especially with the advent of cheaper data costs and mobile phone availability. But as an entrepreneur, it’s all about the rosk-taking so all the best Mr Capable!

kd
kd
9 years ago

chuma chamakolo ichi … ine ndimatipula wekha amwene ………..

munyane
munyane
9 years ago

Mike muhike jnr congrats. U r a strong character. Like father like son. U will excel. Involve ur dad too! We love u!

Zuna
Zuna
9 years ago

Strategic my foot! Uninformed decisions. Enroll for an MBA and you will know that strategic decisions are based on growth, ROI and market share.

Gologolo pa mtengo
Gologolo pa mtengo
9 years ago

I wish our elected representatives in Parliament could gang up and propose the auctioning of MBC so that guys with wisdom can run it. MBC is now DPP Broadcasting Corporation. Very boring!

Arthur G.M. Mtambo
9 years ago

NSEREBO WISHING YOU THE BEST WITH OTHER ACTIVITIES

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