ACB tells Malawi Broadcasting Corp. to stamp out bribes involving DJs
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has challenged the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) that allegations about musicians paying bribes in order to have their music aired on radio and TV stations should be a thing of the past following the launch of the Ant-Corruption Policy for the public broadcaster.
Speaking during the official launch of the policy and website for the state controlled media house Thursday in Blantyre, ACB Director General Justice Rizine Mzikamanda observed that allegations that emanate from the institution are not inspiring and discourages artists thereby impacting negatively on the growth of the music industry in the country.
“Allegations about journalists soliciting bribes in order to write (to air) or forgo writing (airing) a story are disheartening and undermines the integrity of the profession. I believe that this policy provides a framework for dealing with such inequalities and such unfortunate occurrences,” advised Justice Mzikamanda.
He further advised the institution to ensure that the policy document is easily accessible to its members and general public.
The ACB Director General also pointed out that corruption continues to be a menace in Malawi and beyond, thereby undermining good governance, hindering economic and social development and has most ramifications for the most developed countries.
“The good news is that a corrupt free Malawi is attainable. It all starts with you and me. Everyone must be involved in this fight. No one should be a mere spectator or commentator,” said Mzikamanda.
Minister of Information, Moses Kunkuyu, also advised MBC to ensure that its clientele has valuable information in accessing services.
Kunkuyu also told MBC management to “stop hiring and firing” employees for their ethnic background or being affiliated to opposition political parties, saying everyone has the constitutional right to freedom of association and expression.
“The launch of MBC Anti-Corruption Policy underscores the importance of the media in putting its own house in order and in making Malawi a corrupt free country,” said Kunkuyu.
The MBC Anti-Corruption Policy provides principles and tools for creating and anti-corruption environment and inculcating a culture that does not tolerate corruption and fraud, according to MBC Director General Dr Benson Tembo.
Former Director General of the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) Ben Namanja, now MBC Board Chair also attended the function.
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